They meet face-to-face for a second time. Watsonville Police Corporal Noé Rocha first met 2-year-old Benjamin and his mother Joyce after a big scare in February.
“While on patrol, we heard fire and AMR responding to a house for a report of a little boy not breathing,” explained Rocha.
Rocha was concerned and made his way to the hospital; a place Benjamin is all too familiar with.
“He was premature, born at 34 weeks,” said Joyce.
The toddler has been in and out of the hospital since birth and requires a feeding tube.
“As a father, it really shook me, after seeing this little boy going through some real issues,” said Rocha.
Knowing that the family is going through difficult times, Corporal Rocha wanted to do more for them. “We reached out to members of the department that had different connections with people in the community so that we can go out there and help.”
The team purchased a much-needed stroller for Benjamin, as well as a bicycle and helmet for his older brother. The items were hand-delivered in March by Rocha and other WPD officers.
“This gift is really going to help me be a lot more mobile with him and the bike is such a great gift for my boy,” said Benjamin’s mother.
A simple moment turned into a lifelong memory.
“It’s a great feeling and again, if we have the opportunity to help somebody out, let’s go ahead and help them,” said Rocha.
You can WATCH the story at: http://bit.ly/BabyBenjamin
