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SALT LAKE CITY — A girl from Louisiana who is traveling the country brought her mission of love for police to Utah.
She's been on the road with her family hugging police officers wherever she goes. Her visit to Salt Lake City melted some hearts among the officers.
"I think they're really cool," Rosalyn Baldwin said about law enforcement. She's on an unusual mission for an 11-year-old. She's hugging officers in every state to spread love.
It's been a challenging year for police departments as they faced protests and calls for change and greater accountability.
"I just think it's important that they need to know that they are loved and it's not all hate towards their side," Rosalyn said after hugging police officers from several departments at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building on Wednesday afternoon.
She said she had a vision from God to be a beacon of love and hope for every American community.
"It's good for the nation to be reminded that we are all one body. If this part's ailing, then we have to help it and heal it," said her mother, Angie Baldwin, who is driving her across the country along with her father and brother, Phillip.
Rosalyn wants to unite communities by showing her love and appreciation for the police officers who protect and serve.
"This is amazing," said Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown. "The last year or so has been very difficult for law enforcement, especially here in Salt Lake City. We know that the communities that we serve, they love and respect us. But, for a young woman to make a public showing to make the time and effort to be here, that means a lot."
"This little girl wants to make sure that we know we're appreciated for everything that we've endured in the last year or so," said Lt. Yvette Zayas, also from the Salt Lake City Police Department. "It's heartfelt. It's what we need as a profession. The little girl was raised right. It makes you feel good and brings hope for our future."
Rosalyn gave the police stickers and hearts.
"I will tell them that I traveled over here not because I just wanted to, but because they're important," she said.
She's now hugged officers in 38 states and has 12 more states to go.
You can follow her mission here.
