A small act of kindness brings big holiday smiles

Amanda Pevey

Elmore Autauga News

Every summer, Village Green Park in Millbrook comes alive with laughter and smiles during the annual Cops N’ Kids event. It’s more than just a day of games and activities, it’s a chance for Millbrook police officers and staff to connect with children and to show them that behind the badges are real people, just like their moms and dads.

During that event this past August, Chief P.K. Johnson and several members of the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers shared a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the day. A young boy named Preston Wall won a bicycle when his raffle ticket was drawn.

As he looked it over, they realized it was a bit too small for him and quickly reassured him, saying, “Don’t worry, Preston, we have more bikes. We will get you one that fits.” Preston paused, looked up at them, and with kindness that caught everyone’s heart, he replied, “No, that’s okay. I want to give it to my little brother.”

Preston’s act of kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed it. Wanting to give back and reward his good deed, Johnson reached out to the Wall family and arranged to surprise Preston and his younger sister Paisley with bicycles during the Operation Blue Santa event.

“We were just so impressed with the generosity of that young man, thinking about his brother like that. We wanted to make sure he had a bike too,” said Johnson.

Captain Jason Brosius, along with Chief Johnson and National Enforcer Captain Johnny Stiles, surprised Preston and his sister with new bikes that came all the way from the North Pole courtesy of Santa Claus.

“Preston, we told Santa Claus what you did, and Santa Claus said that you are awesome, but we all think you’re awesome too,” said Johnson.

“What you did, giving that bike to your little brother, meant the world to us. That’s what it means to have a big heart at such a young age. You gave without expecting anything in return, because that’s how we’re meant to be,” said Stiles in speaking to Preston.

EAN spoke to Preston’s Mom, Ryann, about Preston and his true selfless act of kindness.

“Well, for me, this is a normal behavior for Preston, and it is always special to witness it. This is something that is just normal for him, and it warms my heart, but I expect it from him. I was beyond excited for my children, Preston and Paisley, to receive bikes. I did not expect anyone to be that kind. It is always important to be kind, and I want them just to know that when you do good things, it will warm your heart, and it will hopefully help other people too,” said Wall.

The Wall Family would like to personally thank the Millbrook Police Department and the Punishers LEMC Three Rivers for everything they do for the community, and for everything they did for them personally.