An 8-year-old boy from Houston who was bullied after dressing up as a police officer for career day was escorted to school in a police cruiser by local officers.

“I didn’t know the police were picking me up,” Michael Martinez told Fox 26. “I had a really fun day.”

Martinez, who was born prematurely and uses a wheelchair, aspires to be a police officer when he grows up. “The police are there for us,” he said.

But Martinez got a hostile response from a classmate when he expressed his admiration for law enforcement by wearing a uniform to school. “This boy came up to me and kind of shook me,” he said.

His mother, Angie Martinez, explained the incident further: “He just kind of put his hands on him, shook him a little bit, and kind of threw him to the side off of his wheelchair.”

Since then, local law enforcement has made sure to thank Martinez for his support. Officers from the Humble Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety drove the boy to school to show they had his back. When they picked him up, the entire street was lined with police cruisers. He also got gifts, had a tour of their vehicles and was taken to class with lights and sirens.

The Humble Police Department shared a livestream of the escort on Facebook. “We had the honor of spending some time with [Michael] today before school. Then when had a parade to his school. After a warm welcome by his classmates we walked him to class. What a great morning for these officers to show our support for the community. #stopbullying,” the caption read.  

Houston Police Department members even visited the boy for lunch, which he loved.

“This was the most exciting thing that’s happened [ever],” Martinez said.

The Humble Independent School District denounced the bullying and praised the actions of law enforcement officers. “Unacceptable behavior is not tolerated,” a spokesperson said. “The student faced consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. We welcome law enforcement officers on our campuses. Law enforcement officers serve as positive role models for students.”

Law enforcement agencies that want to add their support by sending Michael a message, badge or coin can do so at the following address:

Michael Martinez

P.O. Box 14364

Humble, TX 77347