April 26, 2019
WHAT: RPD & Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia
are working together to grant a 9-year-old boy’s wish to be a member of the
SWAT team for a day.
WHEN: 9:00 – 11:15 a.m., Sunday, April 28
WHERE: RPD
Training Academy – 1202 W Graham Road
RPD K-9 Training Facility – 814 Forest Lawn Drive
BACKGROUND: The
Richmond Police Department is working with Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia to make
a young boy’s wish come true.
Matthew Martinez is the
recipient. The 9-year-old from Troy,
Virginia is diagnosed with
cystic fibrosis and his wish is to be part of a SWAT
team for a day.
“I watch SWAT members on Lego
videos and they are so neat,” he said.
“I want to wear all
the SWAT gear and I want them to teach me how to be
like them. I want to be part of the
SWAT
team for the day to get the bad guys.”
Members of RPD & Make-A-Wish Greater
Virginia have planned a day full of activities for
Matthew. Only two sections will be open to the media
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Swearing-In Ceremony at RPD Training
Academy
11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
– K-9 demonstrations at RPD K-9 Training Facility
Matthew’s parents, a RPD
representative, and a Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia representative will be
available for interviews after the Swearing-In Ceremony. Matthew will
not be available for interviews because we want him to focus on his wish.
