Badge of Honor: Topeka police officer saves special-needs child from drowning

[@patriciajankey2910]

People blaming the parents should realize that kids are quick.....autistic children sometimes have no fear and can get easily lost and confused. This officer is a hero. This poor parents almost lost their baby.

[@-MaryPoppins-]

My daughter barely crawled at 11 months. I turned around to grab her a onesie, and she got up and started scurrying towards the bathroom!!! They’re genuinely unpredictable because we can’t always judge how much they’re capable of actually doing. There’s not a soul alive that could have expected my daughter to go from barley crawling to running in a matter of seconds 💀

[@patriciajankey2910]

@@-MaryPoppins- my now 27 year old son decides to hide in a clothing rack at Walmart when he was 5. I was pregnant and turned around for a second to answer a question my mom asked. Turned back around and he was gone. Never thought to look in middle of the clothing racks. If he hadn't started giggling I would have the cops called and Walmart on full alert. I didn't know if I wanted to hug him or scold him. He was fussed at once I composed myself. I have raised three kids who are all adults and ik that they can move quick. Parent blaming is as bad as victim shaming.

[@-MaryPoppins-]

Patricia Jankey absolutely. There’s a stark difference between accident and neglect. I remember hiding in those clothes racks as a kid, I’m so sorry you were so panicked! 😂

[@PrincessZaire100]

Mary Poppins my mom said the spent about three hours looking for in the house, the whole time I was bidding in the bookshelf😂

[@-MaryPoppins-]

Imani Floyd we must have shaved off a good few years off their lives with our crap 🤣

[@sooph1e]

I commend the civilians who ran to help the officer and the boy, it's amazing how they didn't need to speak to one another, the man stepped right in and the lady taking her shirt off and comforting him.. This is such a nice human beings story.

[@DeadBliss]

L L you can’t really assume that

[@-._.-KRiS-._.-]

You command them, huh? What do you command them to do?

[@sooph1e]

@@-._.-KRiS-._.- There, I fixed it. Hope you'll sleep better.

[@mikayla7260]

@@sooph1e I read it too fast and kinda dyslexicly swapped letter and saw “I condemn them” and I was like what wtf and had to do a double take, that was a funny few seconds

[@aanon5716]

a nice switch from the cruel idiots who stand by & video with their phones while people are being hurt & do nothing.

[@cassidylee3631]

Oh my that childs cry sounded like a new born. Poor baby thank God that officer was there to save him.

[@sharontaylor2634]

That cry he did, I actually did that inwardly myself. Mum was so brave watching that, if he was my child it would haunt me forever 😞 so glad that officer was there!

[@JesusLightsYourPath]

Yeah. poor baby :(

[@rachelmyers7104]

My special needs grandson can’t even cry. You can see fear in his eyes only. 😢

[@xrDREDDxr]

Officer said it himself "he was just doing his job". This is an example of the system working the right way. Amazing job sir and lead by example.

[@georgina-a]

@Brian Landers It's not always that simple - we shouldn't judge without knowing the full facts. I have an autistic nephew and, when he was 2, he started trying to wander out of the house - so the front door had to be key-locked at all times and a bolt was added to the the very top of the back door (so that he couldn't reach it, but everyone else could get out quickly in the event of an emergency, like a fire). My nephew worked out that he could use a broom handle to nudge open the bolt and, in under 60 seconds (while his Mum went into another room to help his brother) he had grabbed the broom, opened the door, and got out. Less than 60 seconds was all it took. At over 6ft high, we all thought it was out of reach for a two year old, but he figured out a way around it - autistic kids are often really smart. Luckily, a neighbour was outside and managed to grab him before he came to harm, but they lived close to a main road and a park with a pond - so it's sheer luck that something bad didn't happen. Obviously his parents made changes to stop this from happening again - it only ever happened once - and, as they'd taken reasonable precautions, I would say that his parents were doing their job rather than being neglectful. We have no idea if something similar happened in this case, so it's unfair to make negative assumptions about them. Nobody's perfect.

[@tinyhoney12]

Goergina-a, in no way was he or the officer making negative assumptions about this situation. Rather, he was speaking of how humble the officer was. I hope your nephew is doing well. Yes, most autistic people are brilliantly smart.

[@1lagarti]

This really hits home. I have an autistic 4 year old. Everything in my home is locked. Sometimes adults have difficulty leaving my house ahahah but if that means my son won’t go outside without me then it’s fine.

[@BrittanyDreams]

Same! Same age too

[@savannahmackett2857]

YGy Hi

[@patriciajankey2910]

Austic kids especially can be very creative also on escape. Things we don't think of are the ones they do. I have no austic children but worked with them for years as a teacher's aide. Ik a neighbor had an 8 year old autistic son that would take electronics apart and was a wiz with a screw driver. She caught him trying unscrew the screen door since he couldn't reach the lock.

[@cassiehale1104]

It was the same with us. People tried to judge us for locking us in but they dont understand what we as parents go through

[@myownlilbubble]

@@patriciajankey2910 your neighbour son's sounds like my own kid...only my kid is turning 5 this year....we covered the sockets with a casing that had a lock......he saw his dad fixing something one day with a screwdriver....and he took his toy screwdriver....and tried to open the lock to the casing......too cute but still freaked me out abit...how observant he is.....

[@mjb6839]

the little boy running around w the sweater is so cute 😭

[@tracybrown2482]

My heart is breaking 😭 his little frantic cries. All those poor babies that don't make it. 😞😞 I can't stand it 😭 he almost lost his little life in that brief moment and thank God for miracles

[@facehunter504]

I know right

[@Carriedmusic]

A Fox Called Scrappy Tail and God led him there but keep trying to leave God out of the equation. It won’t end well for you. You think it was a coincidence he was there at the right time heading to a completely different call? Come on..

[@rcascott7354]

The father must have been sick to his stomach when he realized his son left the house and there definitely needs to be more people in this world like that officer I’m glad the little guy is doing well

[@shatearathomas6620]

The Way he ran to the cop to give him a hug ....omg 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@tynishamiddlebrooks1116]

Amen,I'm proud of this officer "WE NEED MORE LIKE HIM...

[@robinallen78]

Amen

[@SergeiTheSlav]

We need to be like him

[@julie.1081]

Yes we do need more like this officer, And things like this happen every day with cops. It just doesn't make the news. After all, positive news stories don't 'sell' as well as negative ones. He did great that day & I'm sure he's had many other great days.

[@Irdkwtpiwfio]

​@@julie.1081exactly. There's plenty like these officers (doesn't mean it's good to have more) . We just don't hear about it because it doesn't get views.

[@julie.1081]

@@Irdkwtpiwfio Thank you! And you're right that we need more officers like this. But recruiting for new officers is getting almost impossible. Especially in the cities where they're needed the most. Back in the 'old days', many communities would have foot patrols. Cops who just walked the area, getting to know people & being seen. It helped keep crime down because you never knew where the cop might show up. Plus, people got to know him so if they had a problem or even may have heard something that could lead to problems, they could talk to that cop. I don't think any young cop would want to do that now. Which is a real loss to the good citizens.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

I had one of those moments and instantly got clean and sober and have been ever since it's hard to explain when you have that moment

[@sandygassant3547]

Congrats on staying clean ❤

[@learnlovelife420]

you got this 👍

[@janemiettinen5176]

I have a friend who told me this exactly same thing! I dont believe in anything, but I absolutely believe her when she says this is what happened. We call it her divine intervention. She found out just months later that she was expecting too, so the timing was perfect. She wouldve died in a year (tops) without it, I just know it, it was sooo hard to watch from the sidelines, not able to do anything but being there for her. Now shes a sober mom of a early teen dramaqueen, with nice occupation and very stable hubby and home life. 15 years ago her life was so different, its like Im talking about totally different person. Im so proud of you both, I know getting clean wasnt easy, and keep on shining :)

[@JanNan]

I know i am 2yrs late in this, But Congratulations, I send you love and blessings and you Sir are also a hero, taking that first step takes courage, ❤️ ❤❤❤

[@colbykuns1909]

My brother is special needs and this just warms my heart thank you for doing this

[@pamavery9352]

Black man was an angel, and disappeared, as angels do !!!!!! Without thanks or fame!! Thank you" sir angel" God bless you, continue your angelic deeds!!!!

[@nicolecourtney8688]

As a mom of a special needs child this is heartwrenching 💞 what a beautiful story. I have an autistic son who is 8 and non verbal and definatly can't swim. I worry about the 6 inch deep kiddy pool in the back yard because he is so unaware of situation and he is the biggest flight risk. His school had to black him in the classroom with barriers and it didn't work so they also put his personal desk behind the teachers desk as another obstacle 😣 we have gone through MANY doors and deadbolts. He doesn't want to run away but gets an enormous kick out of being chased down 🤷🤦 i always say his invisible leash is the wifi and he wont get too far after it stops working without throwing a huge fit 😉 my lil techie

[@thisiscait]

Is it possible to teach the child to swim?

[@tinybrownin]

My neighbours daughter is the same way. But she’s very big so she doesn’t bring her daughter outside. But she’s done the same. She got out n couldn’t speak to tell the people who found her anything either. My daughter always asks the school if they can be in the same class though. My daughter absolutely loves her

[@tinybrownin]

Cait P. I know my neighbours daughter she is like a 2 or 3yr old n not once has she said a word. Even if she was picking stuff up at school we’d never know. But I feel like she’d be able to learn to swim because it’s a natural thing for our bodies to adapt to. Capri can’t say a word but I feel like we understand each other without any vocabulary. But remember words are only 20% of talking. The rest is body language

[@tinybrownin]

Cait P. But she’s almost 8

[@710xela9]

Cait P. there are some places that do one on one swimming classes with special needs children, theyre just pricey & hard to find ): my sister (who’s a person with autism) did hers at the Rose Bowl in southern california & it cost $100/lesson. some people dont have the accessibility but it was definitely worth it for my sister, now she goes into the water at the beach & swims in pools

[@jasonpettit9984]

That's really a scary story,but I'm glad that officer was there at that time

[@kellibryant707]

Yes!! I thank you officer for setting an great example of what a true peace officer does. Your job is not easy on so many levels. I can’t thank you enough for your service. God bless.

[@БрандонХемиы]

Lmfao.

[@JessLBreen]

@@БрандонХемиыyou must be looking in a mirror meaning to comment that to your reflection

[@qtpieb2588]

I love how he points to God for this rescue! May he continue to help and love others in Gods name!

[@gerald4133]

Toddlers have been known to drown in toilets. As a prior EMT I saw a small child by accident got Tangled in Venetian blind cords & die. Keep cribs away fr windows , please watch out for possible dangers.

[@sassykaren7587]

Such a heartfelt story. I’m so glad that the officer was in the right place at the right time. God bless this officer for saving the little boy. In this day and age of people being against the police, this man deserves a hero award.

[@debbiebalnaves4842]

I like the fact that he gave credit to God 😊 "for putting him in the right place at the right time " I like the fact that he pays attention to things surrounding him since he was on was on a police call / run , he still noticed something odd .

[@brittanykarlek4973]

Bless that cop and all first responders involved, but bless that man who actually ran up and grabbed the child as the cop was holding him in the water and the lovely woman who gave her jacket or a blanket to the boy! Such kindness. A video of heroes.

[@amyjenkins8572]

My grandson is autistic and I don't know what I would do if he was lost. Thank you that there are people that care enough and "listen" when those times appear for us to "hear".

[@myownlilbubble]

I would suggest getting your grandson a medical bracelet...I am not a fan of necklace since my kid is non-verbal...or written info INSIDE of his backpack....the name that he responds to......brief description of his condition (autistic and non-verbal) and emergency contact person and mobile #. We are training my kid to remember either my mobile or my husband's mobile #......in case..he got lost and his backpack is misplaced. We hesitate to let him his own mobile...since we didn't want him to be a potential target.....

[@amyjenkins8572]

My daughter and son in law have done an excellent job of teaching my grandson what to do and what to know. I was not implying that he didn't know. I was simply noting the officers ability and how lucky the family was and how tormented I would be if anything ever happened to my grandson. Thanks for the advice though.

[@yvonnejohnson772]

put a

[@yvonnejohnson772]

sorry went to soon you know the type off disk you put on dogs you could put one in his coat pocket or attache to a back pack with a phone number one you can get heart shapes ones I hope you don't think it's avensive saying one you put on a dogs collar

[@troyleonard8995]

I live in Topeka Kansas. And with all the violence and Terror and apocalypse with the pandemic, it's awesome to have some good news here in Topeka. Most of our cops are great and honorable. great job officer, your credit to Topeka.

[@AmericaVoice]

As a Former Fire Chief and currently still working as a Paramedic! With 24 years of total experience and 17 years as a Paramedic! I have had several moments where I had a moment of a intuition or as they call it a gut feeling even more in my deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan deployments where I absolutely listen to it every single moment! My feild places me in many moments like this more than your typical public individual and I am extremely grateful for it! I absolutely love my career I feel is a gift from a higher power!

[@hollyshrum4076]

I have 2 kids with autism spectrum (girl 13 and 11 year old boy). Thank officer! Good luck mom and dad.

[@charlotted6247]

The officer gave God the honor and glory for what he done !!! God Bless You Aaron. When God does these things its amazing when we see God get glorified!!!

[@kristasmith6358]

Need more stories about the many selfless, heroic acts officers perform daily. Officers usually are drawn to the force so they can help others. I know my son in law has literally saved many citizens. He is not alone in that endeavor.

[@PoseidonAdventure]

Who the heck could down vote this? Thank you, Officer, for saving a life that day. Thank you, God, for guiding him to that pond.

[@amandamusic80]

For real; when they said a boy with autism got loose i said who was on the toilet and not due to a joke. That was my reality, once i was in the bathroom steam cleaning, my son was settled, i had a child alarm on the door, he scooted a chair up to the door , unlocked it , disabled the alarm with a wooden spoon and was down the road by the time i got out of the bathroom in a matter of minutes. That wasnt the first nor the last time, and the door alarm doesnt do any good no matter how high up it is if they can find a way. Children on the spectrum are very smart and intuitive. He dialed 911 while i was in the shower. Here we are 20 years later and I see this also could have happened thank god we werent around any bodies of water.

[@kandicecousineau1348]

Woke Media 2020 A chain for the door not the baby right? I’m not trying to be funny.

[@carolynthornton8017]

IN MY VIEW God was with both you Topeka Police Officer Aaron Bulmer and sweet little Elijah that day. Heartfelt relief goes out everywhere.

[@cccherry3133]

God Bless this Cop. As a Mother of a Non Verbal Autistic Daughter I know the panic of that Father. I panic if I look around in the store and don't see her for minute. We need people like this gentleman to help parents like us. To be their extra set of eyes and ears. Thank You Sir for your service🚔💙

[@cccherry3133]

@Brandi Covey No she do not. She has an IPad that talks for her. She input her response to you if you don't understand sign language.

[@cccherry3133]

@Brandi Covey No she doesn't

[@cccherry3133]

@Brandi Covey I do not mind answering questions about my daughter. It's my way of tearing down barriers and educating people about Autism. I tell people if it wasn't for a Person with Autism You wouldn't have Pokemon. And Yes for the most part she understands you. She is a very smart mostly A student. Thank You for wanting to learn and understand.

[@grannygear1001]

Doesn’t get much better than that. Cop saves a precious child from drowning. So refreshing! God did tap your heart to save him!

[@PersonalBubble0420]

Bless that sweet baby. Autism sometimes means kids are runners. It's so scary! I like how the officer thanks God's hand.

[@Angel-nk4jm]

Bless you officer for listening to your intuition and for being a blessing from above ❤️❤️❤️

[@JR-md9rz]

How amazing that you had the foresight to think to look towards the water. You Officer are his Angel and savior, you were a gift from God at that very moment. Thank You for your services sir !

[@virginiastevens3782]

Thank you Officer for saving this child. God guided you that day. God bless you both. ❤️🙏🇬🇧

[@HolySpiritwithin]

They need to give a big thanks to the older man and the young lady too who helped the officer get him out and keep him warm.

[@kimberlyanderson4233]

My almost 6 year old son has done something similar. I was in the bathroom, he was in his room playing. I was in there maybe 5 minutes, and when I came out he's gone and the door is wide open. I ran outside of our apartments scared he had run to the busy road near by. He had ran to my car in the parking lot looking for me. Luckily a neighbor lady had seen him and picked him up. I never heard the door open or anything. Children with autism are so fearless and just unaware of some of life's dangers, and a lot of times it's not the parents being negligent when these situations happen. It can happen to anyone at anytime. I cried watching this because I'm so glad this officer was there at the right time to save this sweet little guy from drowning. ❤

[@aprilstar1682]

I love how humble this officer is! He is a hero and a Godsend! What an amazing story!

[@WolfMaiden11]

We - no, THE WORLD - needs more people like him. Thank you.

[@Queen.AnneBoleyn]

My sons 9yo and nonverbal with autism. He's obsessed with water! I Have to watch him like a hawk! This little boy and his family is soooooo LUCKY THIS COP WAS THEIR SAVIOR.

[@theonionqueen3519]

Sometimes, hearing a child cry is the best thing in the world, because it means they’re breathing.

[@lilyrrichard236]

Heartwarming story 😃 This officer is a hero, as are most.

[@Fuzzamajumula]

Thank god for good PO's like Officer Bulmer! Yes, you are a hero!

[@haleyhoag8640]

I love how he stayed humble. He didn't want the extra attention from it he just saw what happened as him doing what he sets out to do every day. God bless that officer.

[@debi909]

What about the gentleman who he passed the little boy to. He was there and the lady took her sweater off for him. She was cold. 🙏🏼 Thank you all 🙏🏼

[@IrieRogue]

👏👏👏👏👏 incredible, thanks and blessings to this American hero! 🤘❤🇺🇸

[@SMcCaskill]

So very awesome! I have two autistic nephews. The oldest one is a high school graduate and plays guitar. The youngest one is non-verbal and his parents keep a very watchfull eye on him.

[@amethystAnge7]

💙my son is autistic, and I always have to make sure the door is locked and the alarm is set Thank you for your service. Thank you Holy Spirit for guiding him that day.

[@meghans.7886]

Thank goodness that officer was in the right place at the right time. He is a hero!

[@mickeysantana725]

He’s my hero too , what a blessing 🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡👑👑👑👑👑👑😇☝🏽🫶🏼🫵🏽

[@preciousgemstylez1768]

Thank God for everyone that was there and helped that day. It was so nice seeing him run to the police officer and give him a big hug. He was doing his job, but in the eyes of many, HE'S A HERO!!.

[@loribohannon5791]

He is an angel for a little boy God spoke to his heart and he listened and saved a life he should have been rewarded the five grand he's a great guy thank God for the little boy being safe if I was the mom I would have been crying and everything and gave the officer a hug and a thank you she seemed a little cold for some reason to me everyone has their own opinion and feelings

[@thehumbleone1983]

Is the officer the best humble person I’ve never seen

[@The.Hangry.Comment]

Whats even crazier is if that mugging never happened would he even be observing in the area

[@jcoffey1992]

Butterfly effect

[@edjarrett3164]

Grace, and a great cop and person. We could have a lot more of these amazing LE folks.

[@kathrynkneeland7179]

Another wonderful heroic officer!! Thank you

[@12982evets]

Such a beautiful story and a happy ending in a world full of bad news. God bless the officer and the boy he saved from certain death 🥲

[@carlhayes2299]

Amen brother. Thank you for being the man that you are. A man with a heart and the civilian that helped you. As well as God and this mighty shoulder tap from above.

[@kateysandon]

This officer is not only a hero, but a very wise and aware man! Many blessings to you sir!

[@RaeBondarevich]

Thank you for being there!

[@SaraJump-cc8ln]

You are awesome officer God bless you thank you for your service

[@jesusismyking2022]

God bless u to the officer who saved elijah ....ur an angel in disguise 💞

[@magdalenamezydlo1271]

And you are a Hero! You are a Hero every day you get up to go to work! Thank you!

[@lelanium1394]

I’m having such a hard day, I’m so glad That I Watched thethis story it’s very inspirational! Thank you to all the people who protect us our troops, then our police officers and all of the service members. We need more videos like this out there!

[@miko8832]

I hope everything is okay with you now 🙏

[@maggieramirez7448]

GOD BLESS this officer and the Police Department

[@cshell64]

This Police Officer is a true Hero!

[@JuicyWipe]

Thank the Lord that officer was there! It really is a miracle & he really is a hero!

[@jghotier167]

I cried today as a 30 something year old man and this was why 🙏 this is the good stuff

[@suehofkamp8594]

Thank you Officer! You are a hero. 🏅

[@vmo3313]

Thank you officer for your great service 🙏

[@kohanrains776]

I'm so glad the officers understood it was a freak accident and weren't accusatory from the start or after

[@annettepoole8160]

Thank you.True blessings

[@Lilliecwalinski16]

God was DEFIANTLY speaking to him that day!!! I'm glad the little boy is ok!!❤❤

[@melodyyan3488]

Thank you Officer Bulmer! People on duty do so much to protect us citizens while sacrificing their lives, and it's shame that they still don't get the respect they deserve because of a few bad ones.

[@izzywhat]

poor kid. thankful the officer was there ❤

[@sandyjones1014]

Thank God and their Guardian Angels for saving this boy's life, and saving the family from suffering excruciating pain had they lost him. What a blessing for all.

[@Fcope-p4w]

May God continue to bless this family

[@QuynhTran-ky4sb]

Thank you Officer Aaron Bulmer ❤

[@dannimyers8210]

God bless the child n the hero of that police officer

[@kbs7340]

Hero. Thank you Sir 💖

[@rickr530]

"We're donating money to someone else in your name" is the most hollow prize ever.

[@tinagoins5919]

BEAUTIFUL story BLESSING

[@kelleymorris6541]

Good job sir it's amazing to see someone save life❤

[@lauradahlus]

Thank God for that great officer who listened to God! 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@laurakyplain2413]

😢please protect that angel, yes we lost a little boy in the city in a little pond …

[@masakivlogs]

God always work in mysterious ways, hero cop

[@SeamsToCultivateDignity]

THANK YOU FOR GOOD NEWS! May we hear more of heroes and less of the bad guys.

[@debbiee6535]

Thank you for listening to God you saved that child

[@NicklePickle426]

This is devine intervention, and truly the hand of God if I have ever seen it. Prayers for all involved. 🙏

[@nickiekovaleski2734]

Such a sweet ending God was watching over this little boy Thank God for the Police Officers quick response 🙌🙌👏👏

[@fosterlove3775]

That’s amazing! So wonderful to see this super cop honor God and be awarded for simply trusting his instincts! Great job great cop! 👏👏👏

[@Gaby74237]

Touching and positive story…Good for the heart in these weird times ❤

[@brandyramos9372]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@stephanieferrell2402]

How refreshing that a police officer BELIEVES IN GOD.... To know that he doesn't do his job "alone". THANK YOU JESUS FOR THIS MAN. Continue to let that "tap on the shoulder" lead you and guide you, in your service. 🎉👏👍🤗

[@daytimestudios3678]

In Topeka, my town! Congrats for a Cop 👮‍♀️!

[@laurenhoover7575]

My son's name is Elijah. He is 4 and he's Autistic. He loves water but the scary part is he has no fear. He will literally walk into the water. Always have to be super careful and have eyes on him.

[@Buffalolil]

So grateful for you!

[@charlieleo1884]

God. Bless Officer Bulmer. Hero ❤

[@chezgirlrose7654]

Officer Bulmer you deserve all the attention there is to give ... Most definitely God put you at that scene at that time and date, thank you for giving God the glory ... I too have an autistic son who is 21 years old now, he is my world ... thank you for saving little Elijah, you are his hero. 💜

[@jjellybelmo4]

My son is on the spectrum and has no fear of water. This touches me so much ❤