‘Krewe of Birthday Boys.’ Coast police help 2 kids celebrate at home amid coronavirus
Many of life’s milestones are being marked much differently as shelter-in-place orders keep families at home and the country tries to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But social distancing didn’t stop Morgan Gill of Waveland from trying to make the birthdays of two boys special.
Gill knew 9-year-old Matthew and 2-year-old Axxton couldn’t have a normal birthday party, so she made a call to Waveland Police Department to make an “unusual request.”
She asked a dispatcher if a police car could join in a drive-by birthday parade for the two boys.
“She told me that they would love to do that,” Gill said. “Dispatch really helped make this happen.”
The boys’ birthdays were both in early April, so on Saturday they waited outside their home while Gill and family members lined up at the Dollar General nearby.
Then a Waveland police officer pulled up, and asked where the others should park. Gill was shocked when he said five Waveland units and six Hancock County Sheriff’s vehicles would join the parade.
“I cried when they got there,” Gill said. “I couldn’t believe it. I only expected one car, if they sent anyone at all. I thanked every one of them.”
With full lights flashing, the “Krewe of Birthday Boys” made their way into Idlewood neighborhood with family and friends all in tow in their own decorated cars. Their father, Michael Gill, shared the parade live on his Facebook profile.
“It was nice to be able to see friends and family, even though we couldn’t hug and socialize,” Gill said. “The boys still got presents, candy and little Easter baskets, so we made it as normal as possible for them.”
The parade with 11 officers and deputies rode by the home twice, with one deputy even telling the boys “happy birthday” over his speaker as the “krewe” rolled away.
“Thank you to everyone who threw this little parade for them. We couldn’t have a birthday party for them, so we sure do appreciate it,” Michael said after thanking Hancock County, Waveland officers and family and friends.
Waveland Police Chief Michael Prendergast said he was happy the department could help make the day special while keeping everyone safe and socially distant.
“It says a lot about our officers,” he said. “This is the first one I’m aware of them doing. I’m glad they weren’t busy on calls so they could take part in it.”
Gill also said the gesture meant more than just a birthday surprise for the boys.
“This was huge for them. It really shows that (the law enforcement agencies) care about this community.”
Prendergast agreed, saying that being of service to the community is “what we’re here for.”
“It’s really important for us to build those relationships,” the chief said. “I’m so glad that this was an opportunity to see them on good terms.”
As the couple cares for five kids sheltering in place under one roof, Gill said this was a moment of good amid a lot of change.
“This meant so much to our family,” Gill said. “It made them feel so special. They felt like the coolest kids in the world.”
This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 1:13 PM.