'Your Life Matters,' Little Girl Writes to Orland Police

Sometimes, big gestures come in small packages.

That's what Orland Park Police officers were reminded of Monday evening upon receiving a handwritten note from a young girl named Riley.

"Thank you, Orland Park police," it said, in black marker. "Your life matters. Love, Riley."

Riley handed her thoughtful memo to officers in Brown Park, where the department was hosting its second of three Cook-Out With Cops events, according to a post by the Village of Orland Park's Facebook page. The family-friendly gatherings feature free hot dogs, prizes and games while aiming to give residents the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the village's public safety programs.

"A note delivered by a little girl at tonight's Orland Park Police Department's Cook Out with the Cops — Meant the world to the officers who received it," said the post, which had garnered more than 550 likes, 40 shares and a handful of supportive comments as of Tuesday evening.

"Yes they do! Way to go Riley!" commented one Facebook user, who added an emoji heart. The sentiment was followed by other posters who similarly applauded the young girl's gesture, some affirming "amen!"

The note undoubtedly hit home for the officers, who face turbulent times in the wake of area and nationwide demonstrations. Protesters are speaking out against recent police shootings that left two black men dead in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Falcon Heights, Minnesota. One such rally started peacefully in Dallas last Thursday but ended in a fatal shooting spree that left five officers dead and another seven wounded.

"This is one of the worst things I've seen in the 44 years of law enforcement," Orland Park Police Chief Timothy McCarthy told a Chicago Tribune reporter last week, in response to the tragedy. "I can't imagine what they're going through."

McCarthy said his officers were in shock when they learned of the incident. He did elevate the local outpouring of support, though, noting that one Orland Park resident delivered an envelope filled with Dunkin' Donuts gift cards to the department.

Meanwhile, local organizations, such as the South Suburban Association Chiefs of Police, have been sending delegation and condolences to their fellow officers in Dallas.

A request to an Orland Park Police Department contact seeking comment about Riley's kind gesture was not immediately fulfilled Tuesday evening.