The emotional reason this Henrico officer started a free back-to-school event: 'It broke my heart'

Henrico Police hosted a free back-to-school event Saturday designed to send students into the new school year with everything they need — and a positive memory of their local officers.

The Stuff the Backpack event was held at the Henrico County Training Center, where Henrico County Public Schools students in need of basic school supplies stopped by to stuff a backpack, meet local officers and get a free haircut.

Officer Katelyn Gordon, who organized the event, said the idea came from seeing a church do something similar and recognizing an opportunity for police to give back.

"It's a great opportunity... for the youth to see police officers doing something good for the community," Gordon said. "It always used to break my heart going on a call when kids were afraid of the police in uniform, so I wanted a positive police interaction with the kids."

Click here to continue reading on WTVR.com, a Henrico Citizen partner organization.