Story aired on Telemundo, NBC10 Boston
On August 3, a gunman shot and killed 22 people and injured 24 others at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. When 9-year-old Eduardo’s mother Ana Vitela Najero became paralyzed with fear, he took action, grabbing his mother’s arm and explaining that they needed to get away.
Lt. Clara Molina learned about Eduardo Mier’s story from Telemundo, and Tuesday night, Telemundo aired a story on how Molina collected patches, challenge coins, and other items from police departments all over the country for him. (The story aired on NBC10 Boston on Wednesday night.)
“After the second interview when they asked him what he wanted to be, he said, ‘I want to be a police officer and save lives.’ That really got to my heart,” Molina said.
Molina knew she had to do something. She talked to her shift, got their support and the chief’s support, and wrote a letter. About 50 agencies responded.
“I thought it was an amazing opportunity, and was very humble and proud that she brought it to my attention,” Chief Donald Baynard said. “It’s a great opportunity to come together as a law enforcement agency and do something for a young child.”
UMass Boston’s Police Department bought Eduardo an iPad to help him with his studies. On Sunday, Ofc. Matt Coviello, who is in charge of UMass Boston’s cadets, flew to El Paso to deliver a suitcase full of all the donated items.
“We got it engraved and I think it’s really functional, to have this at school and be able to study and do everything he needs to become the perfect police officer when he grows up,” Coviello said.