Halloween

‘Dream Come True': Officers Build Mini Police Car to Fit Around Boy's Wheelchair

The 5-year-old boy was diagnosed with Perthes disease, a rare childhood condition that affects the hip.

A young boy's Halloween hopes came true Tuesday thanks to two officers with the Ontario Police Department and a civilian.

The three men constructed a mini police car — crafted with cardboard and wood — to place around the boy's wheelchair just in time for Halloween. 

The 5-year-old, Brayden Dieringer, was diagnosed with Perthes disease, a rare childhood condition in 2015. He is temporarily using a wheelchair after undergoing surgery this past summer. 

Brayden's mother Regina Dieringer told NBC4 that the disease prevents her son from trick or treating like all the other children. Regina and her husband Ryan Dieringer, a sergeant with the Buena Park Police Department, pulled Brayden around in a wagon last Halloween to collect candy. After a few houses, Brayden didn't want to trick or treat anymore.

"This year I wanted to make it fun for him," Regina said.

She enlisted her Facebook friends and informed them that Brayden wanted to be a police officer for Halloween like his dad. 

On Tuesday night, officers at the Ontario Police Department surprised the kindergartner by placing a mini police cruiser around the boy's wheelchair. The hood of the "car" was filled with candy, Regina said. 

Brayden was "over the moon" after the surprise was revealed.

"Nothing but smiles and tears from everyone," the Ontario Police Officers Association posted on Facebook.

Video from the event shows the boy racing around the lobby and station parking lot in his new black and white "cruiser." 

Regina said that Halloween will be different for Brayden this year. 

"He cannot wait," she said.

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