Arizona boy dials 911 to order McDonald's Happy Meal, cops deliver food at doorstep: 'World needs more simple acts of kindness'
MESA, ARIZONA: A hungry five-year-old from Arizona dialed 911 to order McDonald's Happy Meal and the Mesa Police Department did not disappoint.
The sweet gesture was demonstrated by the police on Sunday, October 27, after Charlie called 911 and innocently asked if he was talking to McDonald's. "Hi, is this McDonald's?" Charlie asked, to which local dispatcher, Anthony Bonilla, said, "No, this is the Mesa Police Department. Do you have an emergency?"
It was unclear if Charlie heard or understood what the dispatcher replied because he was heard saying, "Can I get one Mc-Happy Meal?" and hanging up.
Worried that there might be an actual emergency, Bonilla made a follow-up call to Charlie's home. His father picked up the call and assured the dispatcher that there was no real emergency and that his son must have simply gotten his hands on the phone.
"It kinda made my day," Bonilla told Charlie's father. "He was asking me if I was McDonald's and if he could get a Happy Meal."
The dispatcher continued, saying that regardless, an officer will be dropping by Charlie's house to make a welfare check as it was the official protocol, adding, "Who knows, maybe he'll stop by McDonald's."
Apparently, Charlie's wish was fulfilled as officer Randolph 'Scott' Valdez, who made the routine check, brought a Happy Meal with him. During his visit, he also informed the young boy of the "appropriate" time to call 911.
Photos of the endearing moment were shared by Charlie's mother on Facebook, where she praised Valdez. "The world needs more simple acts of kindness," she said. One of the photos was later uploaded by the police department.
Mesa Chief of Police Ramon Batista also lauded Valdez and Bonilla for their act of compassion.
"We are very proud of how Officer Valdez and Dispatcher Anthony Bonilla responded. They showed compassion and concern for a young Mesa community member and turned this encounter into a teaching moment," he told Arizona Republic. "Officer Valdez took time with this young boy, to share the importance of 911 and its proper use for emergencies only. It's another example of the character and strength of our Mesa Police Department."