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Officer Meets A Beaten-Up Toddler During Welfare Check, Decides To Give Her His Heart And His Home
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Officer Meets A Beaten-Up Toddler During Welfare Check, Decides To Give Her His Heart And His Home

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An Arizona police officer and his wife have officially adopted a little girl after the officer helped her to get away from abuse.

Kingman Police Department lieutenant Brian Zach was a patrol sergeant in March of 2018 when he was called to little Kaila’s home who at the time had suffered abuse and multiple injuries at the hands of her caretakers.

Brian comforted Kaila while they waited for detectives to come to take her to the hospital. “We colored, we snacked … she held my hand and she was just this cute little thing,” Zach told Good Morning America. “Once detectives came, they picked her up and took her to the hospital.”

Image credits: Brian Zach

Zach, a father to two other children, went home after spending hours with Kaila and told his wife all about it, expressing that he wanted the girl to come to live with them.

Meanwhile, Kaila was being treated for multiple injuries as a result of physical abuse. According to Zach, criminal charges were filed against her caretakers.

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Image credits: Brian Zach

When child protective services couldn’t find immediate placement for Kaila, Zach and Cierra stepped in. “She came with a sippy cup, a bag of clothes that didn’t fit her and that was it,” the policeman said.

“Within the second day she was calling my wife ‘mom’ or ‘mommy,'” he recalled. “I was ‘guy’ for a week or two and then when she started preschool she learned who ‘dad’ was.”

Image credits: Brian Zach

Image credits: Brian Zach

“We lived each week not knowing if she was going to go back to her biological parents, or how long we were going to keep her,” Zach explained. “Our goal was to love and care for this little girl for as long as it happened.”

Kingman Police Department’s chief of police Rusty Cooper said that lieutenant Brian Zach’s commitment to public safety is exemplified in his commitment and love for Kaila, adding that both Brian and his wife Cierra are amazing parents.

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Image credits: Brian Zach

“They are committed to the service of others and a cause that is greater than themselves,” Copper added. “We are proud of Brian and thankful that he and his family are part of the Kingman Police Department.”

Image credits: Brian Zach

On the 18th of August, roughly 30 months after Kaila came into Brian and Cierra’s care, the Zachs officially adopted Kaila at Mohave County Superior Court in Lake Havasu City.

Her dad said Kaila enjoys preschool, animals, dancing, and make-believe play when going on ‘cruises vacations’ in her cardboard box. The mindset for a global pandemic!

“She is so comical, she is so witty. She’s just a character.”

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Image credits: Brian Zach

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Image credits: Brian Zach

Image credits: Brian Zach

Image credits: Brian Zach

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To find out more about Brian and Kaila, check out the video below

Here is what people said after hearing their heartwarming story

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Denis Tymulis

Denis Tymulis

Author, Community member

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Denis is a photo editor at Bored Panda. After getting his bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design, he tried to succeed in digital design, advertising, and branding. Also, Denis really enjoys sports and loves everything related to board sports and water.

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Denis Tymulis

Denis Tymulis

Author, Community member

Denis is a photo editor at Bored Panda. After getting his bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Computer Design, he tried to succeed in digital design, advertising, and branding. Also, Denis really enjoys sports and loves everything related to board sports and water.

Rokas Laurinavičius

Rokas Laurinavičius

Author, BoredPanda staff

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Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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Rokas Laurinavičius

Rokas Laurinavičius

Author, BoredPanda staff

Rokas is a writer at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication. After working for a sculptor, he fell in love with visual storytelling and enjoys covering everything from TV shows (any Sopranos fans out there?) to photography. Throughout his years in Bored Panda, over 300 million people have read the posts he's written, which is probably more than he could count to.

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I could adopt all the mistreated, abused, neglected children of the world... :(

BabaBizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I could burn the abusers to a crisp so they never hurt a beautiful innocent child again.

Load More Replies...
MagicalUnicorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy little girl is now happy and safe, we need more those feel good stories <3

Viviane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to stop crying. I think I have something in my eye. If you watch the video, it seems that she chose them as much as they chose her.

Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless you Officer and Mrs Zach and your family for welcoming Kaila into your home. She seems like the happiest and sweetest girl now.

CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone can be a father, but not everyone can be a dad. I applaud this man and wish him and his family nothing but happiness.

Zinia Sundahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😭😭😭😭☺️😂☺️😭☺️😭☺️😭😭😭☺️😭☺️

Aubryanna Walker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, that is incredibly wholesome. I LOVE it. There needs to be more people in the world like him.

Hollysmom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful story. Darling little girl and beautiful family. Thank you for not only your bravery and commitment to serve and protect but, for opening your home, heart, and family.

Elizabeth Molloy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an abused child myself, I cannot thank this wonderful family enough. Look how happy she is. See? There ARE good police folk out there!

Michelle Cummings
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soooooo mad. How could anybody lay a hand on that beautiful little defenseless baby girl. I have a daughter her age sleeping right now and want to wake her up and hug her. Thank goodness her birth parents didn’t get her back.

Bored Little Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy the little girl.got adopted and is with such a good family!!!

Thomas Turnbull
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little girl is now so happy and can look forward to a wonderful loving life with a wonderful family and leave all the trauma behind her.

Vincent Jay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a beautiful little girl! (She's also a natural model. She knows how to "vogue" for the camera.) 😊

Cori
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my very best friends is a foster parent. She's had a lot of heartbreak. One in particular comes to mind where, despite literal broken bones, a kiddo STILL keeps going back to bio parents. She's also had some wins though. She and her husband finally have a clear path to adopt their second little girl. The first was a very expensive years long battle that ended in tears of joy when they were finally able to sign the papers.

Hisseefit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

May I ask why it was expensive? I did foster care (USA) and it did not have to cost anything. I choose to buy some things out of pocket. But that was my choice. The money is there in the system.

Load More Replies...
YHZ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And momentarily, there is a little hope for the world.

SuePrew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The little girl calling her "Mom" and him "Guy" is very telling of her previous life, don't you think? Bless this new family. <3

ahmad fauzi md sharif
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone abuse such a cheerful child.....May she and the Family always be well.

Maria Ingram
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a beautiful little girl! So happy she will be loved and well taken care of.😊💕

Candy Sheppard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand how people can harm innocent children. These babies didn't ask to be here, they don't ask for nothing but to be loved. Thanks God's for the few protecting the innocent

Jackie Wacky
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a lovely story and full marks to the officer and his wife for giving this beautiful, innocent little girl a loving home. She looks so happy now.

elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blood relationships sometimes don't mean a thing. It's often the people you pick deliberately who end up being your family.

Denise Mclean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a Great Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers and a Blessing to one very Fortunate Sweet Little Girl

Anna Salerno
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The best Christmas story for this precious child. kudos to this wonderful kind policeman.

Steve Rogers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is adorable. Keep her safe good sir. Your wife and yourself are the kind of people this world needs.

KT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of a monster are you if you're abusing such an small and innocent child? He's her guardian angel <3 I'm so happy he was the one called out to check on her!

Ray Martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heartbreaking situation that little girl lived through, before this wonderful man and his family stepped up to save her. There are far, far too many cases like this that end in tragedy, and I find it horrifying that animals and property have more rights and protection under the law than children do. Our society is diseased.

DDmaybeandor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kind of thing happens all the time but I'm really surprised it's come out publicly. For one thing, she's a minor and this story just told everyone a lot of her history. It paints her biological parents in a bad light which could lead to a court case against those involved in this story. Hell, it could lead to a court case from the girl herself when she's older because her personal health information was shared. In this instance, no one has the right to share that information except the state which is now her legal guardian, and only then in a case of need. The reason I'm pointing this out is simply to give reason as to why these stories typically aren't shared. It's a legality issue, it's not at all because it doesn't happen. However, I'm glad she's at a good home right now regardless of how common this sort of story is. It's good to celebrate where we can. She's such a cute little girl.

Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The parents are awesome. The teenage boy seems like he's headed for trouble flashing gang signs.

Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The process to get to foster is so very long, how did they just get to keep her?

Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was most likely given an emergency temporary foster license or temporary guardianship because he is a police officers. Police objectives meet all the requirements to become a foster parent in the state of Arizona.

Load More Replies...
Norart
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Come on BP if you've conditioned us to anything it's that COPS are INHERENTLY BAD. Next you'll be telling us Trump supporters love their families and donate to charities. This is not the fabricated feel- good type of stories I come here for to reinforce my stereotypes!

Abhainn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a great story because it's not the normal "cops are bad" story. in a group of people who don't make sense, look at the individuals and you will see that they all have stories, and are doing the best they can. people want to be good, I think. Some have just lost their way.

Load More Replies...
Wyn Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FFS Do you Trumptards have to try and destroy EVERYTHING? This isn't about you and your politics

Load More Replies...
troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I could adopt all the mistreated, abused, neglected children of the world... :(

BabaBizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I could burn the abusers to a crisp so they never hurt a beautiful innocent child again.

Load More Replies...
MagicalUnicorn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy little girl is now happy and safe, we need more those feel good stories <3

Viviane
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to stop crying. I think I have something in my eye. If you watch the video, it seems that she chose them as much as they chose her.

Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless you Officer and Mrs Zach and your family for welcoming Kaila into your home. She seems like the happiest and sweetest girl now.

CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone can be a father, but not everyone can be a dad. I applaud this man and wish him and his family nothing but happiness.

Zinia Sundahl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😭😭😭😭☺️😂☺️😭☺️😭☺️😭😭😭☺️😭☺️

Aubryanna Walker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, that is incredibly wholesome. I LOVE it. There needs to be more people in the world like him.

Hollysmom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wonderful story. Darling little girl and beautiful family. Thank you for not only your bravery and commitment to serve and protect but, for opening your home, heart, and family.

Elizabeth Molloy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an abused child myself, I cannot thank this wonderful family enough. Look how happy she is. See? There ARE good police folk out there!

Michelle Cummings
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Soooooo mad. How could anybody lay a hand on that beautiful little defenseless baby girl. I have a daughter her age sleeping right now and want to wake her up and hug her. Thank goodness her birth parents didn’t get her back.

Bored Little Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so happy the little girl.got adopted and is with such a good family!!!

Thomas Turnbull
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This little girl is now so happy and can look forward to a wonderful loving life with a wonderful family and leave all the trauma behind her.

Vincent Jay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a beautiful little girl! (She's also a natural model. She knows how to "vogue" for the camera.) 😊

Cori
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my very best friends is a foster parent. She's had a lot of heartbreak. One in particular comes to mind where, despite literal broken bones, a kiddo STILL keeps going back to bio parents. She's also had some wins though. She and her husband finally have a clear path to adopt their second little girl. The first was a very expensive years long battle that ended in tears of joy when they were finally able to sign the papers.

Hisseefit
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

May I ask why it was expensive? I did foster care (USA) and it did not have to cost anything. I choose to buy some things out of pocket. But that was my choice. The money is there in the system.

Load More Replies...
YHZ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And momentarily, there is a little hope for the world.

SuePrew
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The little girl calling her "Mom" and him "Guy" is very telling of her previous life, don't you think? Bless this new family. <3

ahmad fauzi md sharif
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone abuse such a cheerful child.....May she and the Family always be well.

Maria Ingram
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a beautiful little girl! So happy she will be loved and well taken care of.😊💕

Candy Sheppard
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I will never understand how people can harm innocent children. These babies didn't ask to be here, they don't ask for nothing but to be loved. Thanks God's for the few protecting the innocent

Jackie Wacky
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a lovely story and full marks to the officer and his wife for giving this beautiful, innocent little girl a loving home. She looks so happy now.

elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Blood relationships sometimes don't mean a thing. It's often the people you pick deliberately who end up being your family.

Denise Mclean
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a Great Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers and a Blessing to one very Fortunate Sweet Little Girl

Anna Salerno
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The best Christmas story for this precious child. kudos to this wonderful kind policeman.

Steve Rogers
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is adorable. Keep her safe good sir. Your wife and yourself are the kind of people this world needs.

KT
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of a monster are you if you're abusing such an small and innocent child? He's her guardian angel <3 I'm so happy he was the one called out to check on her!

Ray Martin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a heartbreaking situation that little girl lived through, before this wonderful man and his family stepped up to save her. There are far, far too many cases like this that end in tragedy, and I find it horrifying that animals and property have more rights and protection under the law than children do. Our society is diseased.

DDmaybeandor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kind of thing happens all the time but I'm really surprised it's come out publicly. For one thing, she's a minor and this story just told everyone a lot of her history. It paints her biological parents in a bad light which could lead to a court case against those involved in this story. Hell, it could lead to a court case from the girl herself when she's older because her personal health information was shared. In this instance, no one has the right to share that information except the state which is now her legal guardian, and only then in a case of need. The reason I'm pointing this out is simply to give reason as to why these stories typically aren't shared. It's a legality issue, it's not at all because it doesn't happen. However, I'm glad she's at a good home right now regardless of how common this sort of story is. It's good to celebrate where we can. She's such a cute little girl.

Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The parents are awesome. The teenage boy seems like he's headed for trouble flashing gang signs.

Helen Haley
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

The process to get to foster is so very long, how did they just get to keep her?

Full of Giggles
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was most likely given an emergency temporary foster license or temporary guardianship because he is a police officers. Police objectives meet all the requirements to become a foster parent in the state of Arizona.

Load More Replies...
Norart
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Come on BP if you've conditioned us to anything it's that COPS are INHERENTLY BAD. Next you'll be telling us Trump supporters love their families and donate to charities. This is not the fabricated feel- good type of stories I come here for to reinforce my stereotypes!

Abhainn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a great story because it's not the normal "cops are bad" story. in a group of people who don't make sense, look at the individuals and you will see that they all have stories, and are doing the best they can. people want to be good, I think. Some have just lost their way.

Load More Replies...
Wyn Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FFS Do you Trumptards have to try and destroy EVERYTHING? This isn't about you and your politics

Load More Replies...
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