First-grader unable to play outside forms special bond with school resource officer

Braylon Henson does double duty at his Bay Minette, Alabama, elementary school: He's not only a first grade student, but also a mini-school resource officer.

The 6-year-old has ectodermal dysplasia, and was born without sweat glands. Because of this, he can't go outside when it's hotter than 74 degrees, as he runs the risk of overheating. After Ronald Saladin started as the school resource officer in August, he noticed that Braylon was in his classroom while the other kids in his class were at recess, and started inviting him along as he walked around the building. "I let him come walk with me because he felt left out," Saladin told WKRG.

The partners now spend nearly two hours a day patrolling the hallways, and Saladin even bought Braylon his own uniform. Braylon enjoys spending time with Saladin, and said he wants to become a police officer when he grows up. Braylon's teacher told WKRG that since teaming up with Saladin, his grades have improved, and she can see he's more confident. "It's definitely a blessing, like it was meant to be," Saladin said.