Behind the Badge
The wicker basket that was placed on a table in the courtyard of the Fullerton Police Station on Friday evening was filled with handwritten messages for 7-year old Katie King and her family.
“We love you Katie & family. We hold you in our hearts and are thinking of you often.”
“Katie, you are the strongest person I know. Sending you lots of hugs and kisses.”
“Stay strong. Don’t give up.”
“Kati, we love you!”
Laura Fross, left, Karen Fross and Shelly Baker hold up their candles during a candlelight vigil for Katherine King, who was diagnosed with an incurable brain stem tumor, at Fullerton PD’s headquarters on Friday, May 20.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Some of the written sentiments included hand-drawn miniature hearts and flowers.
The message basket was part of a vigil hosted by the department for Katie, who has endured a year-long struggle with DIPG, an inoperable and malignant brain tumor with a high mortality rate.
About 100 of Katie’s friends and supporters turned out, given less than two-days notice.
They held candles, shared stories and comforted each other.
“We want to let the family know they are loved,” Kelly Livingston a family friend, who helped organize the gathering.
Signs for Katherine King mark the entrance to the Fullerton PD courtyard where people gathered for a vigil Friday.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Fullerton PD became acquainted with Katie in December, when Bootleggers Brewery hosted a clothing drive to raise money for the family.
The department was touched by Katie’s story and showed up with four squad cars filled with clothes.
The department has stayed close with the family ever since then.
“We are honored and privileged to support the family,” said Sgt. Kathryn Hamel, who helped organize the vigil in the courtyard of the FPD headquarters.
“The Fullerton Police Department has been amazing,” Livingston said.
For more information, visit Katie’s Facebook page and website
https://www.facebook.com/KatherineTheBrave/
In this file photo, 6-year-old Katherine King, center, who was diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Intrinsic Glioma (DIPG), an inoperable and incurable brain stem tumor, smiles with her family, Alissa LaShorne, sister, left, David King, dad, Jaimee King, mom, and Tori LaShorne, sister, at a Bootlegger’s Brewery and the Clothes for the Cause fundraiser.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
David King, father of Katherine King, talks about his daughter during a vigil gathering at Fullerton PD’s headquarters May 20.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Ava Hermosillo, 7, gives her mother Tina a hug during a candlelight vigil for Katherine King.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Laurie Rogers stands with her 10-year-old daughter Carly Rogers, at the vigil.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fullerton/Brea Battalion Chief Kathy Schaefer, left center, and Fullerton PD Sgt. Kathryn Hamel smile as they talk to Katherine King at Friday’s event.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
David King, father of Katherine King, gets a hug from Tina Hermosillo during a candlelight vigil for Katherine King at Fullerton PD’s headquarters on May 20.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
File photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
