We are officially in the middle of graduation season, which means millions of parents all over the country are watching their children move on to a new chapter in their lives. While high school and college graduation are known to be incredibly emotional for parents, fifth grade graduations can be touching affairs as well.

Fifth grader Kaleb Crowder was having a difficult time on his graduation day, as one week before, his police officer father Joe passed away suddenly from a heart attack that he suffered while jogging. He was only 44 years-old, and he had served 14 years in the Boynton Beach Police Department. On top of that, he was also a staff sergeant in the Army Reserves.

Wanting to make sure that Kaleb felt loved and supported at his graduation, nine of his father’s colleagues on the police force showed up for the ceremony.

“It meant everything to us to be there. We all felt like proud parents. We are so proud of the fine young man that Kaleb is and we know that Joe was smiling his giant smile this morning watching Kaleb, too,” said Stephanie Slater, the police department’s spokeswoman. “When he was walking down the red carpet and he saw us his face just lit up. He sat two rows in front of us and kept looking back at all of us. There were lots of hugs and smiles.”

The officers posted photos and video of the ceremony on Facebook, writing,  “We promised Joe we would be here for all the major milestones. Can’t wait to watch Kaleb graduate 5th grade!”

“Congratulations, Kaleb! We are so proud of you, and we know your dad is too. We love you,” they wrote alongside video of the boy receiving his diploma.

“It meant the world to us to watch you graduate 5th grade today. We promise to be there for all of your accomplishments. We know your dad is so proud of the fine young man you are. We love you, Kaleb,” they added alongside another photo of him.

We applaud these police officers to make sure this little boy felt loved on this difficult day! SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!