Eliza Knox lost her father in May 2020 after he died in a police helicopter crash. His law enforcement family has sided with his family ever since.
HOUSTON – It was the first day of kindergarten for 5-year-old Eliza Knox.
She is surrounded by a blue sea – Houston Police Department – when she loads the school bus to start her big day.
Her father, tactical flight officer HPD Jason Knoxwas killed in a police helicopter crash in May 2020. His law enforcement family has stood by his wife, Kiera, and their two young children ever since. .
“It’s been almost two and a half years and they’re still showing up here,” says Kiera. “Surprised.”
Eliza’s older brother, Cooper, also received a large sum of money in his first grade. Now, he is starting third grade and showing his sister the ropes.
“I had to take her to class and show her where everything was,” Cooper said.
HPD officers aren’t the only ones making sure Eliza and Copper get to school properly. Firefighters and neighbors also joined the celebrations, as did Houston city councilor and former HPD officer Mike Knox, who Eliza and Cooper called “grandpa.”
A motorcade escorted school bus Eliza and Cooper to the neighborhood before the bus arrived at their school, where they were greeted by attached patrol officers.
“It means more than the world to me,” Kiera said. “Love and support. Everything. I don’t have enough words.”
Knox’s law enforcement family said this isn’t the only date they plan to make appearances for Eliza and Cooper. They look forward to being next to all the other major life milestones, such as graduating from high school.
But most importantly to Eliza and Cooper right now, they know they’re not alone.
