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Officer rescues homeless youth, who later becomes a police officer.
Beginning his life in a drug fueled home, at 12-years-of-age Jacob Bello fled that home to live on the couches of friends and relatives, and park benches or in abandoned buildings.
Meanwhile he remained in school, where he received toiletries such as soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. A social worker gave him supermarket and Subway gift cards.
Then at age 15, Jacob's life changed.
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His classmate Nicole McIlveen told him about a police program for young people headed by her father, Andy McIlveen of the Chandler (Arizona) Police Department.
Jacob attended those classes.
Jacob Bello participated in the Chandler Police Department's youth program. Photo: washingtonpost.com
He also attended Nicole McIlveen's birthday party, but after the party ended, he was alone. "Isn't someone coming to pick him up?" Andy McIlveen asked Nicole.
Andy drove Jacob to a trailer park, where he was staying with his cousin, and as they spoke Andy realized Jacob was homeless.
Andy spoke with his wife Tammy about letting Jacob live with them, which subsequently they did, even promising he could stay through high school and college.
Jacob became part of the two parent and two daughter family and Andy and Jacob became father and son, with Jacob determined to become a police officer like Andy.
In 2019, Andy retired after 27-years on the Chandler Police Force, and with his encouragement, Jacob kept applying to become an officer.
That day came in 2024 when Jacob graduated from the police academy. And who pinned his new badge on him?
A very proud and tearful Andy McIlveen.
Jacob Bello having his new badge pinned on him by Andy McIlveen. Photo: washingtonpost.com
"It was a moment we both will remember forever," said Jacob. "It felt like I'm taking on the legacy that he's left behind."
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