Austin Police To Don Superhero Capes For Young Patients

AUSTIN, TX — It's been said not all heroes wear capes, but local police officers are poised to act heroically while donning sleeveless cloaks to lift the spirits of sick kids at a local hospital.

The Austin Police Department (APD), in partnership with the Ascension Seton and Wells Fargo, are hosting the fifth annual Superhero Day at Dell Children’s Medical Center on Thursday, May 30, at 10 a.m. The goal is to provide a fun-filled day for the hospital patients by giving them the opportunity to interact with APD officers dressed as superheroes.

This year, the plot thickens as the cast of characters has expanded. Officers will play the roles of Batman, Black Panther, Ironman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, Spiderman, Captain Marvel, Hawkeye, Black Widow, Ant-Man, The Wasp, Superman, and The Flash. Their foils in the upcoming drama will be The Penguin and Killmonger (also played by APD officers), who have escaped from prison as they head to Dell Children’s Medical Center to wreak havoc and steal goodies from the kids there.

But don't despair! The caped crime fighters are on the way! With the young patients looking on, a cast of superheroes and Dr. Joseph Tayar of the Dell Children’s Medical Center staff will rappel down the hospital walls into the courtyard to save the day. Along the way, those involved in this caper will bring joy to young patients as they do each year in staging the real-life superhero episode. After capturing The Penguin and Killmonger, the superheroes will sign autographs and visit with children in the auditorium.

Ahead of Thursday's adventure, police offered thanks to the Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin Police Association, Cops 4 Charities, Yacktman Asset Management, Culver’s, Lucy’s in Disguise with Diamonds, Bigmouth Announcing, John Borek, Austin Books and Comics, ATXN, Jason’s Deli, 1st Texas Photo, Raven’s Closet, Wells Fargo. Last but not least, officers voiced gratitude to the generous yet unidentified donor who provided more than 200 superhero capes for the young patients to wear in celebration of the event. Could it be Bruce Wayne? Tune in Thursday! Same Bat Time, same Patch channel!

UPDATE: Some scenes after the event below.