“It was a really big hit,” Baker told Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl while dropping off the letters Friday. “He made a big impact. I never personally knew him but you could just tell he made a big impact. You will see that in here. You will read some of the letters where the kids have thanked the police department and Detective Del Rio for keeping them off drugs.”
Hundreds pay tribute to Dayton detective killed in drug raid
Along with the letters, the children and Baker gave Dayton police gifts including a blanket with Del Rio’s picture on it.
Del Rio was shot while descending the stairs of a home at 1454 Ruskin Road in northwest Dayton. Authorities allege Nathan Goddard shot him twice in the face, and officials say they arrested four individuals in the basement.
Authorities say they recovered more than 13 kilos of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, firearms, cash and large amounts of marijuana from the home.
Federal authorities said Dayton police officers and DEA agents announced themselves before making entry into the home.
Baker said the kids poured their hearts into the letters and she hopes that it touches the Dayton Police Department and Del Rio’s family.
“It really did bless us and I think it will you as well once you go in and start reading some of the stuff,” Baker told Biehl Friday. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cried, very emotional. I am sure all of you have as well.”
Students from Franklin Monroe, Vandalia Butler, Milton-Union, Trotwood, City of Dayton, Tipp City, Troy City, Troy Recreational Preschool and new Vision Christian Homeschool Co-op participated.
Biehl said the cards mean a lot to the department.
“Kids have a way of saying things and expressing them that is so earnest, that is so true, that is so heartfelt,” Biehl said. “Can’t help to be moved by them.”
PHOTOS: Detective Jorge Del Rio honored by community
Biehl said this year has been the toughest year of policing in his career, but it’s positive acts like the children writing the cards and their appreciation that make it worth it.
“Far too tragic and too many circumstances, but out of that tragedy has come this outpouring of support,” he said.
He said the department and family are still feeling grief in the wake of Del Rio’s death and that is unlikely to go away anytime soon.
“But there’s also this great sense of gratitude, appreciation and receiving the love from others which is really the basis of that gratitude,” he said. “We know so many people care.”
The Del Rio family wasn’t there when the letters were dropped off for them at the police station. But they have said they appreciate residents who have shown support.
“For every deed that has been done, large or small, for every thought and prayer meant to uplift us, Thank you,” the family said in a previous statement. “We are so grateful to everyone who has reached out and shown up. So from the bottom of our broken hearts, thank you.”
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