Boy Recovering From Surgery Gets Memorable Ride to School

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The Arlington Heights Police Department helped make one local boy's first day back to school extra special. Ryland, a student at Greenbrier Elementary School, hasn't had the typical summer after undergoing a major hip surgery that left him recovering in bed for seven weeks.

He also has had physical therapy three times a day and occupational therapy three times per week, according to a post on the Arilngton Heights Facebook page. After spending some time in a wheelchair, Ryland was able to start walking while using a walker.

The Arlington Heights Police Department was made aware of Ryland's tough summer by his mother, who reached out to them several weeks ago asking if they would be willing to do something special for Ryland's first day back to school. Ryland "has a love for the police."

"Arlington Heights Police Officer Rick Veenstra was happy to help with the request," according to the Facebook post.

Veenstra showed up at Ryland's house on his first day of school on Sept. 16 and drove him and his brother to Greenbrier Elementary School in a squad car. The boys were shown how to turn on the sirens, which were on when the young duo rolled into school in style.

"The #ArlingtonHeights Police Department wishes Ryland all the best on his road to recovery and if Ryland does pursue a career in law enforcement, we know the bravery he has already show in his young life will help him reach that goal," according to a post on the Arlington Heights Facebook page.