Howell Kindergartner Hopes To Follow Police Officer's Footsteps

HOWELL, NJ — As one of the Howell Township Police Department's school resource officers, Maureen McBride encounters dozens of the township's children. What she may not have realized, until recently, is how she was impacting their thoughts of the future.

Well, now she does, after a kindergartner's mother shared her daughter's thoughts on the matter with the township police department.

The girl, Ava, was chosen to be Leader of the Week in her class at Taunton School.

"When asked what would you like to be when you grow up, immediately Ava said a police officer like Officer McBride. Ava first met Officer McBride at Taunton School and loves looking for her at all special Howell events ..." Ava's mother said, referring to a questionnaire filled out about Ava for her Leader of the Week honor.

"Ava’s mom reached out to us asking if we would pass this message along to Officer Maureen McBride. Instead, we decided to share with all of you (of course with permission)," police said on Facebook. "Congratulations Ava!! You are an amazing young little lady. And thank you mom for taking the time to reach out to us."

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Howell School Resource Officer Maureen McBride hangs out with students in this 2016 photo by Howell Township Police