Texas Girl Sends Thank You Notes to Hundreds of Police Officers

AUSTIN, Texas — A ten year old girl from Tyler, Texas named Savannah Solis is on a mission to show her appreciation to law enforcement officers, and this weekend, she brought members of the Austin Police Department to tears with her simple message of gratitude.

According to a report by KXAN, Savannah was deeply affected by the murder of two New York police officers last month. She wanted to do something to show her support, and so over her Christmas break, she started writing thank you notes — hundreds of them — and sending them to police officers in New York and all over Texas.

Savannah’s mother, Debbie Solis, told KXAN that her daughter wants to be a police officer when she grows up and would frequently pray for God to keep them safe. ““She wants to get as many autographs as possible because they are her heroes,” she said. “She doesn’t look at celebrities like that, she does law enforcement. She adores them.”

Savannah has delivered many of her thank you notes in person all over East Texas, Houston, Dallas, and most recently Austin.

“To my heroes, I want to say: Don’t stop. Please don’t give up.” Savannah writes in her cards. “Many do not care or appreciate the sacrifices you make every day, but I do. Many are standing with me today to let you know that you matter. Officers across Texas, you matter to me. Officers in New York City, you matter to me. Officers all across America, you matter to me. Please keep taking care of us.”

Her words clearly touched the Austin police officers. “I was so proud,” said Assistant Chief Jessica Robledo. “The words she spoke from her heart touched every single officer. I noticed everyone was trying to blink back tears. That’s what it’s all about. She is an old soul. She knows the right thing to say, and I don’t think she even realizes the impact of her words to these officers and this department.”

Savannah has a Facebook page, Savannah Says Thanks, where she provides updates about her mission to thank law enforcement officers across the country and encourages other children to do the same.

Before she left, the Austin police officers gave Savannah her very own Austin Police Department cap — and a promise that they intended to recruit her in a few years.

Follow Sarah Rumpf on Twitter @rumpfshaker.