At School Ceremony, Fellow Officers Stand In For Boy's Fallen Father

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It was a bittersweet milestone Thursday for a young boy who lost his father -- a Baltimore City police officer -- nearly four years ago.

WJZ's Amy Yensi was there as fellow officers stood in for their fallen comrade.

As 10-year-old Tristan Taylor looked out to the crowd at his fifth grade promotion ceremony, he saw many smiling faces -- but the face of his father was missing.

Officer Forrest Taylor, who everyone called Dino, died after a devastating line-of-duty car crash nearly four years ago, ending his 17-year career on the Baltimore City police force.

"I knew Dino was always standing behind me to make sure everything went well," said Lt. James Rhoden, Baltimore City Police Department.

On a special day, 20 officers stood behind Dino's family.

"I felt happy that they were here to see me, but also kind of scared because that was just 20 more people that I had to stand up there and talk to," Tristan said.

"We want him to understand that we fully appreciate the sacrifice his father made for the city of Baltimore," said Melissa Hyatt, chief of patrol, Baltimore City Police Department.

Dino's widow, Ambre Taylor, was overcome with gratitude.

"I'm so thankful for you all, and for your support," she said. "And I don't know what I would do without you all in our lives."

At Dino's funeral, hundreds of officers formed a shield for his widow and two children -- Tristan and Millie. Some of those same officers were on hand to see Tristan win academic awards despite losing his father -- motivation for a boy with ivy league aspirations, and comfort for a mother who needs it.

"I don't have my husband's family here. His mom and dad died and his brothers live far away," Ambre Taylor said. "So the police department is my family."

The officers have already committed and promised to attend Millie Taylor's promotion ceremony as well.

If he doesn't go to Harvard, Tristan wants to be a comedian.