Not everybody understands 9-year-old Michael Martinez’s love for the police.

For as long as he can remember, Martinez, who has cerebral palsy (CP), has been fascinated by law enforcement: the cool uniforms, the lingo, and (of course) the ability to bring support to surrounding communities. So when he had the chance to dress up as his ideal career on his school’s career day, Martinez knew his costume right away.

Unfortunately, reports KHOU, Martinez faced relentless bullying at his school for his outfit. Kids can sometimes be cruel. They were especially cruel when they pushed Martinez out of his wheelchair to the ground. 

When the New York Police Department (NYPD) caught wind of his story, they set out to restore justice. They invited the family, who lives in Texas, to come up to New York for a special, one-of-a-kind law enforcement experience. 

Martinez got to spend all day hanging out with officers and asking them questions. They even took him on a private tour around the city, giving him behind-the-scenes access to the NYPD headquarters, City Hall, and New York’s many unique cathedrals.

Getting to meet his heroes was something that Martinez will remember forever. But one of the other best parts of the trip? By far, he says, the pizza. 

About Cerebral Palsy (CP) 

Cerebral palsy represents a group of congenital disorders that affect movement, posture, balance, and muscle tone. Caused by brain abnormalities or damage during brain development, CP results in impaired coordination and a lack of muscle control. It can have multiple causes, from gene mutations and maternal or infant infections to traumatic head injury or fetal stroke. Signs and symptoms often appear in infancy or early childhood. The effects of CP may range from mild to severe. CP cannot be cured, but it can be managed using various medications and surgeries.

Symptoms and characteristics of cerebral palsy can, but do not always, include:

• Muscle rigidity or spasticity
• Muscles that are too stiff or too “floppy”
• Favoring one side of the body
• Tremors
• Intellectual disabilities
• Spinal deformities
• Incontinence
• Abnormal touch/pain sensations
• Motor delays
• Slow, involuntary writhing movements 
• Vision and hearing problems
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, or sucking
• Excessive drooling
• Difficulty walking or performing precise movements
• Speech delays
• Seizures