Entire Phoenix Police Force Attends Kindergarten Graduation Of Fallen Officer's Daughter

Three days after her father was killed in the line of duty, Tatum Raetz graduated kindergarten as hundreds of police officers cheered her on.

Officer Daryl Raetz of the Phoenix Police Department was killed in the line of duty early Sunday morning, leaving behind his wife, Stephanie, and his daughter, Tatum, who was to graduate from kindergarten in three days.

Since Tatum's father couldn't attend her graduation, on Wednesday, hundreds of police officers converged on the school where the ceremony was taking place to support the wife and child of one of their own.

Officer Raetz's daughter graduates kindergarten. He couldn't be here so his PD family made it a point to be.

Phoenix Police

@phoenixpolice

Officer Raetz's daughter graduates kindergarten. He couldn't be here so his PD family made it a point to be.

"She had 300, 400 parents up here for her this morning," Officer James Holmes told AZ Family. "It was absolutely amazing. It was bittersweet and it was a bit overwhelming for all of us."

The graduation ceremony was standing room only.

"We tried to keep this to Daryl's squad and his precinct," Phoenix PD wrote on their Facebook page. "But [once] the word got out that this was happening, there was absolutely no way that you could keep officers who could be here away from here."

Class of 2025! Little Raetz with her class. She makes Dad, Mom and us swell up with pride.

Steve Martos

@SgtMartos

Class of 2025! Little Raetz with her class. She makes Dad, Mom and us swell up with pride.

"We'll support his family forever, and this is just the first step," said Detective Sara Garza, a family friend.

Steve Martos

@SgtMartos

Dad would be so proud...as are we!

"I wish he were here to see [Tatum graduate], but I hope we do him proud."

To Officer Raetz's daughter and entire family...we love you THIS much!

Phoenix Police

@phoenixpolice

To Officer Raetz's daughter and entire family...we love you THIS much!

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