Ian Bangs, 7, of North Philadelphia, walks home to and from school with his mother, smiles and waves to all of the police officers he sees as he passes Temple University’s Department of Public Safety every day, Monday through Friday. 

“Ian has become a familiar face to many of us,” said Temple Police Sergeant Francisco Gonzalez. “He walks by every day, telling us to be safe and to have a great day. It’s genuine and appreciated.” 

On Thursday, however, Ian learned that Temple Police would have a surprise for him. So on his way home after school, when he saw Temple Police Officer Chantelle McCrea, he ran right towards her, giving her a big hug. 

“Hey buddy!” she said to him, hugging him right back. “On behalf of Temple University’s Department of Public Safety, we put together a bravery bag for you to thank you for the kindness you have shown those of us in law enforcement. We wanted to show you our appreciation,” she said.

The gifting of the bravery bag comes after Officer McCrea and Sergeant Gonzalez recently offered Ian and his mother a tour of Temple’s Department of Public Safety. On Sunday, McCrea and Gonzalez took the duo into the police station for a behind-the-scenes look and even put Ian into a police vest. They also showed them the inside of a patrol car, where Ian turned on the red and blue flashing police lights. Ian then high-fived many of the men and women in blue who were working. At the time, his mother also shared that a friend of Ian’s at school made a negative comment about police. However, Ian encouraged his friends to always be respectful to law enforcement because they do good for the community.  

Lisa Russel, Ian’s mother, said she teaches her son to always thank police for the work that they do.

"He really respects police. I always told him if he ever needs help, to go to police. He talks about how he wants to become a police officer, even though he's just in first grade, he already knows what he wants to be," she said.  

Ian said he will continue to encourage his friends to support law enforcement. 

“Police are very nice. They’re kind and they help people out when they need something,” Ian told Temple Now. 

After hearing about the incident, McCrea and Gonzalez knew they had to do something, and the idea of a bravery bag was born. It included a toy Temple Police car, a Department of Public Safety lunch box, a Temple Police water bottle, Temple Police pens and more. 

“We hope this small gift encourages him to be the respectful young man that he is and grow into the person and the leader that he wants to become,” said McCrea. 

“I’m so proud of Officer McCrea and Sergeant  Gonzalez and the positive influence they both have on our community members,” said Jennifer Griffin, chief of police and vice president for public safety. “Community engagement is the foundation of a safer and stronger community for everyone."