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Law Enforcement Surprises Daughter of Slain Kissimmee Officer on Birthday

"From now and forever, you don't stand, alone you don't suffer alone, you're never alone because all of these people are here for you, to protect you," Police Lt. James Napier said

Law enforcement officers surprised the daughter of a slain Florida police officer by wishing her a happy birthday.

Unique Howard turned 17 two days after the death of her father, Kissimmee Police Sgt. Richard "Sam" Howard. Howard and Officer Matthew Baxter were shot Friday night while patrolling a neighborhood known for drug activity. Baxter died Friday and Howard died on Saturday.

Police spokeswoman Stacie Miller said they'd planned to surprise Unique Howard at her home. But her mother told them her daughter had insisted on going to her job at Publix supermarket.

In a video posted on Facebook, Unique Howard wiped away tears and hugged a co-worker as police officers from several local agencies and Publix employees sang "Happy Birthday."

"From now and forever, you don't stand, alone you don't suffer alone, you're never alone because all of these people are here for you, to protect you," Police Lt. James Napier said.

She was given a coin from the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and a thin blue line bracelet, symbolic of an officer who died.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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