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UMass Boston police organize effort to bring gifts to 9-year-old El Paso shooting survivor

On August 3, a gunman shot and killed 22 people and injured 24 others at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. When 9-year-old Eduardo鈥檚 mother Ana Vitela Najero became paralyzed with fear, he took action, grabbing his mother鈥檚 arm and explaining that they needed to get away.

Lt. Clara Molina learned about Eduardo Mier鈥檚 story from Telemundo, and  for him. (.)

鈥淎fter the second interview when they asked him what he wanted to be, he said, 鈥業 want to be a police officer and save lives.鈥 That really got to my heart,鈥 Molina said.

Molina knew she had to do something. She talked to her shift, got their support and the chief鈥檚 support, and wrote a letter. About 50 agencies responded.

鈥淚 thought it was an amazing opportunity, and was very humble and proud that she brought it to my attention,鈥 Chief Donald Baynard said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity to come together as a law enforcement agency and do something for a young child.鈥

UMass Boston鈥檚 Police Department bought Eduardo an iPad to help him with his studies. On Sunday, Ofc. Matt Coviello, who is in charge of UMass Boston鈥檚 cadets, flew to El Paso to deliver a suitcase full of all the donated items.

鈥淲e got it engraved and I think it鈥檚 really functional, to have this at school and be able to study and do everything he needs to become the perfect police officer when he grows up,鈥 Coviello said.