Most children spend their allowances on toys, or special treats. But for one Colorado 4-year-old, her piggy bank money had a far more important job to do – raise money for a police officer who was fighting cancer. Sidney Fahrenbruch has always had a fascination with police, her mother, Megan, said.
The precocious child visits the Longmont Police Department on a weekly basis, often bringing cookies and other treats to the hardworking cops. “It all started about two years ago when (Sidney) saw an officer directing traffic. It was hot outside and she said, ‘He looks thirsty; he needs water,’ and she brought him a bottle of water,’” Megan said.
From that point on, the girl was a frequent visitor, as well as an ardent supporter. She often wears a miniature uniform, and if that is unavailable, a t-shirt displaying the police department’s name. However, during a recent visit, Sidney saw a collection that was being done by the department for Officer Kyle Zulauf. Kyle, an army veteran and father of three children, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The Longmont Police Department had been raising funds for Officer Kyle Zulauf, who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Photo courtesy of Longmont Police Dept.
The money was being raised to help pay for surgery he needed. Already familiar with the officers, one in particular was a special friend. Sidney met Officer David Bonday earlier in the year, and immediately asked for ‘help’. “She met Officer Bonday and asked him if he would come search for monsters in our (new) house,” her mom said. And he did. “She just checked under the couch, but he wanted to make sure there weren’t any (monsters) under the couch cushions,” Megan said.
And then they ended up going in the front yard to make sure there was no monster activity in the front yard.”
Officer Bonday and Sidney. Photo courtesy of the Longmont Police Dept.
So Sidney, in her own way, was paying back the very police department that had helped her overcome a fear earlier in the year. The Longmont Department of Public Safety posted on social media, thanking Sidney. “Many of you will recall Sidney (4-years-old), who made national news when Longmont Police Officer Bonday came to her house to search out and remove monsters in her new home,” the post said.
“Today, Sidney was back at the department with a different purpose. She brought the contents of her piggy bank for Officer Bonday to provide to our fundraiser for one of our officers who has been diagnosed with cancer. Words are not available for what this means to us.” Watch below for a look at this amazingly bright and kind child and her quest to help not only Officer Zulauf, but all police officers, as well.
