These days, it often seems like police officers do not get the respect that they deserve in this country. That’s why it’s so heartwarming to see a story about a little boy giving back to a cop in an amazing way!

Noah Smiling was just days away from his ninth birthday when he was given some pocket money to celebrate the occasion. He was eating breakfast with his mother, Angela Cantin, at a Denny’s in Lakeland, Florida on “Bring Your Child To Work Day” when he noticed a police officer at the restaurant.

As an aspiring police officer himself, Noah wanted to approach the officer, but he did not know what to say to him. That’s why he ended up asking his mother if he could pay for the officer’s breakfast, and she immediately told him that he could. Angela then helped Noah pen a note for the officer on a receipt.

“I want to be you when I grow up. Thank you for your service,” Noah wrote.

Officer Eddie Benitez was both stunned and touched by Noah’s gesture.

“It meant everything,” he said. “It meant that I’m supposed to wake up every morning and put on this uniform and go out there and do what I do. You know? It means that I need to keep trying to be a good example to all these young guys.”

Benitez stopped Noah before he left and asked for a photo with him. The image went viral after the Lakeland Police Department posted it to Facebook.

Benitez now keeps the note in the front pocket of his uniform at all times.

“I’ve got it right here, ’cause I’m gonna keep it as long as I can,” he said.

It’s so nice to see a police officer get the love and appreciation that he deserves! We also applaud Noah for his kind gesture and wish him all the best!  SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!