Crestview’s ‘policeboy’ moves out of town

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Police Department said a fond “farewell” to one of its biggest supporters last week when Jae Williams stopped by the Whitehurst Municipal Building to say goodbye to his officer friends.

Jae, 8, has been a pal and frequent visitor to the Police Department since he was 5, when observing a backlash against many police officers around the country following a few isolated events, he told his mom, Cassie Williams, that he wanted to find a way to support local first responders.

With the aid of his mom, Jae soon started visiting the Crestview Police and Fire Departments, and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, bringing handmade cards, treats and little presents.

Soon he’d appear in his “official” uniform, complete with badge and shoulder patches.

Most recently, as the Police Department prepared to take relief supplies to law enforcement agencies affected by Hurricane Michael, Jae made a final appearance.

With his father’s work being relocated, the family is moving out of state.

“Keep being a great kid,” Deputy Chief Jamie Grant told Jae as he presented him with an official Crestview Police lapel pin and challenge coin. “We’re going to miss you, buddy.”

Before Jae left, he had one more mission.

At his suggestion, Cassie had stuffed the back of the family SUV full of cases of water, many of which Jae carried into the Police Department himself.

“It’s to help the people hurt by the hurricane,” Jae explained as some of his officer friends helped him stack the cases of water in a hallway before loading them in a trailer.

Then looking at his handiwork, he gave a broad grin and said, “Look! We made a tower! It’s bigger than me!”

The Crestview Police Department wishes our pal, Jae Williams, much happiness in his new home.

And we have no doubt that local first responders will soon be receiving a visit from our policeboy.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview’s ‘policeboy’ moves out of town