When fallen officer and Air National Guardsman Joseph Lemm was laid to rest, a heartbreaking scene behind the casket quickly captured the world’s attention. Perched on the shoulders of Lemm’s partner, the hero’s four-year-old son sat stoically as he watched the emotional proceedings unfold. What happened next left bystanders in tears, as they watched the heart-wrenching moment the tiny boy paid his final respects to dad.
Joseph Lemm had tragically passed in Afghanistan, after serving his country and the state of New York for over a dozen years. Nicknamed “Superman,” the brave cop was well known and respected in his field. He climbed the ranks quickly as a beloved member of New York’s finest, and eventually went on to serve his country overseas in the military.
Thousands came out to pay their respects, mourning the life of a hero gone far too soon. Leading the way was his four-year-old son Ryan. Wearing dad’s gold shield and cradling his police hat, little Ryan Lemm left attendees in tears with what he did next. Walking with officers, he trailed closely behind the flag draped casket as they made their way into St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Watch the tear-jerking moment the sweet preschool solemnly lifts his tiny hand to his head, saluting his heroic father for one last time in the emotional video below.
