'I Love Police!': White House Shows Video Of LI Boy's Birthday

GREENPORT, NY — Jace McKenzie, 6, has always loved police officers.

That's why, his mother Tai McKenzie said, when it was time to plan his sixth birthday party, his great-aunt Alison Shelby spoke to Southold Town Police about sending officers to surprise him.

What followed was a story that Jace will likely be talking about for a lifetime — a video of Jace's delighted reaction went viral and was shown during a White House press briefing by White House Press Sec. Kayliegh McEnany Friday.

(Courtesy Tai McKenzie)

McEnany, presenting the video, said it was "a very touching video that we loved. This is emblematic of where America stands in regard to our police."

The video shows Jace's delight as he sees police officers arrive for his birthday. "I love police!" he cried happily as he jumped up and down and ran to hug Southold police officer Mike Sirico.

Southold police officers Rich Buonaiuto and James Crosser were also part of the surprise.

Jace was already dressed as a police officer in an outfit his great-aunt had bought him for his special day. Jace's cousin Eli Murphy, 4, is also shown in the video.

"Jace has always just been obsessed with police; since he was able to talk, he has just taken to police," McKenzie said. "My aunt thought it would be a great idea to have police officers come down and say 'hi.'"

Her son's birthday party was held on Monday, July 13 at the Sixth Street Beach in Greenport, where her family lives, said McKenzie, who lives in Ridge.

McKenzie said she'd decided to record the moment on her phone, when her son saw the police, as a memory — she had no idea it would capture the hearts of the nation.

"I didn't think his reaction was going to be so authentic and genuine," she said. "He was just ecstatic. You can see the excitement. It was really cute, and humble. Once it happened, and went viral and was shown by the White House, we just thought, 'This is a monumental moment."

Her little boy, McKenzie said, has no idea the reaction his happiness has sparked. "With everything that's going on in the world, here we have this 6-year old boy who just genuinely wants to be a police officer. He just wants to protect and serve."

The police officers who arrived at the party brought toy police badges and bracelets, and spent time talking with the children and the family, McKenzie said. "They weren't in a rush to go. It was just so cool that they took time out of their day to make his birthday special."

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley told Patch the department was "very excited to go through the process of setting this up with the Press Secretary's Office. It was a fun experience for Jace as well as our officers; the officers have kids around the same age as Jace and understand how important it is to help him realize his dreams — and would do anything to facilitate it. I'm very proud of them."

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the birthday surprise "shows that our police officers are a part of our small community and that they are human and have an endearing side that some tend to overlook. It was a joy for me to see such joy in the little boy’s face. It’s a moment he will treasure for a lifetime."

When she learned that the White House had shown the video, McKenzie said: "I was completely taken aback. I don't think he even understands how big this is. I was just completely blown away. I'm at a loss for words."

Jace, she said, comes from a family dedicated to law enforcement. Her father, Troy McKenzie, lives in Maryland and was a first sergeant at Fort Bragg in Special Forces. Jace's grandfather Ance Carl Shelby was a police officer for Southold Town. "It runs in the family," she said.

When Patch asked what Jace wants to be when he grows up, he said: "A policeman! I want to help people."

Speaking of the outpouring of love the video has evoked, McKenzie said: "It's cool how a 6-year old can influence so much change and so much positivity. They say kids are our future so it's our job to mold them and guide them in the right direction."

McKenzie said she is humbled by the incredible spotlight on her son. "We just want to be a positive influence, touch whoever we can. He's just so innocent. He just wants to be a police officer."

And, after his appearance in the White House press briefing, McKenzie said her son has a new career goal: "He added President to his list," she laughed. "He told me, 'I want to be President.' He's definitely aiming big. I told him, 'One day at a time. Let's get through first grade first.'"

(Lead video courtesy Michael Murphy. Other videos by Michael Murphy and Tiffany McKenzie)