NEW YORK CITY – A nine-year-old Houston boy with a disability that was bullied at school received VIP treatment and a spectacular tour of New York City from police officers.
Michael Martinez has cerebral palsy, and he was bullied in school for dressing up as a police officer on career day.
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After the nonprofit organization Blue Lives Matter heard his story, they flew him out along with the Vigilance LEMC Motorcycle Club on June 21-24 to visit the Big Apple. Blue Lives Matter provides help to officers and their families.
Joseph Imperatriz, the founder of the nonprofit, said the Martinez family was the sweetest and most genuine family.
“He was so excited,” Imperatriz said.
Michael was able to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the headquarters of the New York Police Department. He visited with New York State Police, New York Mayor Eric Adams, snapped some photos of the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and tried the famous New York pizza and bagels.
Organizers said they wanted to show Michael he was appreciated.
“We wanted to make the family happy,” Imperatriz said.
The family was also very grateful for the experience. Imperatriz said he hopes to have a lifelong friendship with Michael and plans to visit Houston in August.