In a heartwarming tale of friendship and mentorship, a special bond has formed between a 5-year-old boy and a Greenville Police Officer. Officer Jenna Wines, affectionately known as Jenna, has become a cherished member of young Josiah McMurran's extended family.

Their remarkable connection began last August during National Night Out in Greenville. Josiah and Jenna crossed paths, and their friendship blossomed instantly. Josiah's grandmother, Diamond Diaz Matthews, shares his enthusiasm, saying, "She's family now! She's not even Officer Wines, She's Jenna!"

Jenna recalls their first encounter, saying, "We rode the train together. He was really excited about a picture, and he walked away and came back a little bit later. He wanted to take another picture, and I was just like in love with this kid. I was like, he is so cute. I want to take him home, I want to go everywhere with him."

And so, their journey together began. Now, once a week, Officer Jenna Wines picks up Josiah from school, forging a mentorship that extends beyond the uniform. This act of kindness and support is a testament to Jenna's belief in the power of community and the notion that it takes a village to raise a child.

For Josiah, these outings with Officer Jenna are filled with joy and excitement. He shares, "I love when she picks me up, brings me to the park, takes me to get something to eat." The bond between them is palpable, and Officer Wines sees this relationship as an opportunity to change perceptions and foster positive connections between the community and law enforcement.

"I know a lot of people are a little worried about officers, but I was hoping that would change the light of it, change people's eyes with it. And it's changed mine," Officer Wines expresses. This unique friendship has given her a renewed perspective, allowing her to see the community through a different lens.

As Officer Wines and Josiah spend more time together, their connection deepens, and they have become like family. Josiah's grandmother, Diamond Diaz Matthews, praises Jenna's role in her grandson's life, saying, "I couldn't ask for a better person to come into my grandson's life. Yes, I love her. When he sees her, his face lights up. For a five-year-old, that's big, that's something serious. When an officer can do that to a child... yes."

Josiah himself has been inspired by Officer Wines' presence and the impact she has made in his life. He dreams of following in her footsteps, aspiring to become a police officer or join the military when he grows up. He even confidently declares his ability to do a one-arm push-up.

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Via WITN News