Police escort fallen comrade’s daughter to first day of school

Police in Akron, Ohio have accompanied the daughter of their slain colleague to her first day of kindergarten.

Justin Winebrenner was killed in November while off duty when he attempted to escort an armed man from his fiance’s family pub.

His five-year-old daughter Charlee, was taken to her first day at Turkeyfoot Elementary School in New Franklin by her mother and grandparents, where a line-up of officers greeted her, the Barberton Herald reports.

Charlee’s grandfather, retired officer Rob Winebrenner, had told the officers it was the little girl’s first day of school and invited them along.

“They promised me that they would take care of this little girl for the rest of her life,” he told the Barberton Herald.

As Charlee arrived at school officers clapped and cheered for her, wishing her good luck on her first day.

Mr Winebrenner’s fiancé, Alyse Shanafelt, told WOIO Cleveland 19 News she knew the officers would always be there for her daughter.

“It helps knowing that I don't have her father there anymore to go to, but I have all of these guys behind me to go to," Ms Shanafelt said.