#BlueFriday: A small gesture made this cop a big hero to a young boy

All Jeremy Diaz wanted for his fourth birthday was to take a picture with a police officer. After a long day, it seemed as though his birthday wish wouldn't come true.

Kymm Balinth, a member of Roselle first aid squad and a listener of our show emailed us to explain how her son, Union County Sheriff's Officer Johnathan Regan, would make little Jeremy’s day better.

EMT members tried to capture a moment with Jeremy, but his main focus was a police officer. After a long day of work, officer Johnathan was sitting down to have dinner, when his mother called him.

Regan came to the rescue and took a picture with Jeramy Diaz. Regan is known for his fast action in a medical situation.

“The act of kindness he showed to the little boy is to be recognized just as much as the deeds these officers do daily,” Balinth said.

Regan understood his role as a police officer and positive figure who went above and beyond the call of duty.

Union County Sheriff Joseph Cryan told me Friday Cryan is "a great officer and has been a real positive addition to our force."

"You know the folks that wear the uniform — it's interesting — young people, you see then, 4, 5, 6 years old, they say they want to grow up to be a police officer, a teacher, a fireman," Cryan said. We should recognize that and see that these are our everyday heroes. And Johnathan does a great job of representing that well."

Cryan said he hadn't heard about Regan's gesture at first, "because that's kind of the officer he is." The sheriff said regan was "a little bit humbled by the attention."

Regan's kind generosity is why I've selected him to be honored this #BlueFriday — my ongoing effort to recognize police who go above and beyond every Friday in 2016.

To nominate another deserving officer, fill out the form below or tweet @BillSpadea and @NJ1015 using the hashtag #BlueFriday.