Bailey Cavender, the 10-year-old who started the “We Need You” movement to support local law enforcement, visited West Virginia State Police Academy to give her support and encouragement to future police officers.

Bailey was able to speak to the 69th Cadet and 185th Basic Classes, and handed each member of the class a card saying “Dear Officer #WeNeedYou,” as well as a letter of encouragement.

The West Virginia State Police posted on Facebook: “The classes were touched and surprised at the courage and outpouring of respect from Bailey. Her parents were also very thankful for what these young men and women were doing to become police officers.”

Bailey then spent time with the officers and received some gifts, including department patches from each of the 185th Basic Class members, a State Police stuffed dog, an academy coin, T-shirts and a memento bag from Charleston Police Department Cpl. Robert Welsh.

The 185th Basic Class also performed the marching of the “X” for her and her parents before taking photographs with her.

On Bailey’s Facebook page, a post about the event read, “Today Bailey had the privilege to go to the police academy and hand each and every one of them her card and special letter.
This was an experience that she will hold close to her heart forever. As for her parents, it was an honor to meet these brave hero’s. We love you dearly, all of you!!!! Thank you.”

Many in the comments to the police’s Facebook post showed their appreciation for Bailey. One commenter wrote, “We need more young people like that. Thank you Bailey for showing support to our Law Enforcement… Thank you all Police Officers for your service God Bless.”

Bailey is continuing with her effort. On June 5, she recently live-streamed an ice bucket challenge event to support “Kindness to Cops.”