SAN ANTONIO — Heading off to your first day of kindergarten can be intimidating – and even tougher if you've lost a parent. The Frio County Sheriff's Office made sure a young boy didn't go it alone.
In a post on Facebook, the law enforcement agency shared a tender post, saying:
"Today we were proud to escort our little deputy to his first day of Kindergarten. Although we still miss our brother in blue Justin Longoria everyday, it’s these happy memories we want to continue to make for his children. The FCSO is now and will always be family to his young boys. Have a great day Jr. Deputy Joziah Longoria!"
FCSO also shared a video showing Joziah as he showed up with the support of a dozen deputies lining the entrance to his school. Wearing a red collared shirt and khaki shorts, he seemed ready to seize the day and enthusiastically said, "Good morning!" as he was greeted. He then walked up to each of the deputies as if to thank them – addressing each of them personally with a solid handshake or in some cases, a sweet embrace.
On Monday, Joziah carried a precious keepsake with him: a lunch box with a picture of his father in uniform on it.
Joziah's father passed away in April, when he died in a vehicle collision on his way to work.
At the time, FCSO said of Corporal Detective Longoria that he was "lost to this world while traveling to serve this community that he cared for so very much."