Eight years ago, Rashid came to Idaho as a refugee from Iraq, and a few months ago he was diagnosed with an aggressive and terminal form of cancer.
Doctors told him that he wouldn't survive the summer, but he defied all odds and did, and after attending Camp Rainbow Gold (a cancer camp for kids) he inspired one of the counselors there to pick up the phone. That call turned into a tidal wave of support for the little fella, starting with the Boise Police Department, because Rashid mentioned at the camp that he wanted to grow up and be a police officer.
The police department took Rashid under their wing for a day of life-changing fun, as the department took him through various police drills including simulated chases, arrests, and a ceremony where he received his police badge. That was just the beginning.
Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin and the team got in on the action by staging a crime scene at the football facility where a perpetrator stole the Boise Hammer, and Rashid was tabbed by the police department as the lead detective in charge of returning the iconic Hammer to coach Harsin and the team. The investigation led them to the zoo, where Rashid found the Hammer, and brought it back to the team during a team meeting to a standing ovation from the Boise State staff and players.
The video is full of heartwarming moments, and not only helps to serve as a reminder to keep everything in perspective, but it also illustrates what a great community Boise is as well, because not every city would be able to band together to pull something like this off.
Take a look below.
Officer Rashid from Camp Rainbow Gold on Vimeo.