BILLERICA — Five-year-old Parker Wolfe came to the Billerica Police Department Sunday for what he thought was a tour of the station.
To Parker’s surprise, it turned out to be something even more special.
Parker, a Billerica resident, has an endocrine disorder that has sent him and his family down a difficult road, including a surgery in Ohio that kept them in the state for six weeks.
Throughout his journey, one thing has been a consistent source of joy for Parker: zoos.
His mom describes him as “animal-obsessed,” and said that whenever they go to a new place, visiting a different zoo is at the top of his to-do list.
So, when Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island connected with Parker to discuss what he wanted his wish to be, he said that he wanted to visit a zoo that he’s never been to before.
Parker has frequented all of the zoos in Massachusetts, and the greater New England area, so he and his family—mom and dad Crystal and Justin and younger brother Liam—set their sights on the San Diego Zoo.
Parker will be made a zookeeper for the day at the San Diego Zoo, and will also tour San Diego Zoo Safari Park and visit a nearby animal sanctuary. Through all of these activities, he’ll be learning about his favorite animals up-close.
Billerica Police, a longtime supporter of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island through the charity’s Heroes For Hope program, helped deliver the exciting news to Parker on Sunday, May 17.
Parker arrived to the station and was greeted by Billerica Police K-9 KC and handler Officer Jack Duggan, who led him on a full tour of the Billerica Police station with Officer Matthew Irwin and Sgt. Rocco Magliozzi. Parker visited the roll-call room, where he was greeted by family, classmates, and many of the men and women of Billerica Police, including another K-9 dog, Cash, who is assigned to Officer Joseph Lamarca.
Parker also went home with tons of Billerica Police “swag,” including a patch and special stickers for the K-9 dogs.
Sgt. Magliozzi coordinated with Make-A-Wish volunteers Kate Greene, a North Billerica resident, and Brianna LeConti, to bring the experience together for Parker.
“He’s gone through a lot in his life, and we were glad to be a part of this,” said Deputy Chief Glen Magnan. “The Town is great to us as police officers so for us to give back a few hours of the day to a member of the community is really great for us. It’s a small thing we can do, and we are grateful to be able to give back.”
In March, the Billerica Police Department was one of eight Merrimack Valley Police departments to participate in Wish Upon a Wave. Officers plunged into the water at Nahant Short Beach and raised over $7,800.
“Billerica Police is honored to support Make-A-Wish in any capacity, and to help facilitate such a meaningful moment for a member of our community is a special moment for all of us,” said Chief Roy Frost. “We wish Parker the best in his journey, and we hope he and his family have an awesome time at the zoo.”
About Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Parker’s wish is one of 130 wishes Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island is working to grant this summer.
Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous supporters and 500+ volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of over 11,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding more than 40 years ago, and its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child. For more information, visit www.massri.wish.org.