COLUMBUS, Ohio – Brett Holbrook, who suffers from apraxia, was made an Honorary Trooper by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in April. The academy threw him a surprise 12th birthday party Friday, complete with cake, gifts and guests.
Brett, who lives with apraxia of speech, had a goal back in April, reported ABC 6. He told his mother he wanted to spend his summer visiting every state patrol post in Ohio. Childhood apraxia of speech causes people to have problems with sounds, words and syllables because the brain has problems planning to move the body parts needed for speech.
Surprise Birthday Party for Honorary Trooper Suffering From Apraxia
His mother is working hard to make his goal a reality. Brett and his mom have traveled more than 3,000 miles. But they haven’t quite finished.
The 12-year-old boy is from Michigan. Ironically, he first met a trooper when his father was pulled over. Brett was impressed by the trooper’s professionalism and uniform. So, his mother made him his very own, scaled to size of course.
Moreover, when she contacted the state patrol about his admiration for troopers, she shared that he has apraxia.
The tour started in April, when he visited the Bowling Green patrol post. As a result, he was given an Honorary Trooper Commission and a ticket book. In Bowling Green, he received a tour of the post and a potluck to welcome him to the Patrol.
He was promoted to lieutenant on a visit to Delaware, then made a voyage across the state over the summer. The trip included some time at the commander’s desks in Lancaster, Cincinnati Metro, Lima and Cleveland District.
At the Zanesville Post he received a replica patrol car. While touring Cleveland, he was named an Honorary State Trooper of the Year at the Elyria Post.
The tour has included inspections, flag raising and setting up a DUI checkpoint near Springfield with other troopers.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Facebook
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Facebook page made the following comments honoring the inspirational young man:
Brett Holbrook, a young man with Apraxia, became an Honorary Trooper in April. Afterwards, he asked his mom if he could visit every Patrol Post. She made his dream come true and together they have traveled nearly 3,000 miles and logged over 100 hours on the road. Brett has conducted inspections, raised the flag, and brought smiles to our faces at each stop. Thanks for spending your summer with us Brett!
(Photo: Ohio State Highway Patrol Facebook)