DENVER – A 6-year-old girl who captured the hearts of Denver Police officers and the chief himself lost her battle with a terminal illness.
Denver Police made the announcement Thursdayon its Facebook page with a post titled, “Remembering Chief Olivia.” Denver Police wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of our friend, Olivia Gant.”
Olivia died Sunday after being diagnosed with neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy, which causes intestinal failure.
But before the disease took her life, the men and women of Denver’s finest were able to fulfill one of Olivia’s last wishes: Busting bad guys.
In April, a uniformed Olivia rode along with an officer in a police cruiser with sirens blasting as they made their way to the "bad guy's" hideout. The “bad guy” was played by another Denver officer, who Olivia put into cuffs and hauled away.
She was also given a tour of police headquarters and met with chief Robert White, who made her honorary chief for the day.
Denver Police posted the video on its Facebook page:
Olivia’s mother, Kelly Gant, said her daughter had looked up to police officers for some time as they were the ones that came to her aid during multiple medical calls in the past.
Olivia spent her last days in hospice care. Her mother said despite the pain, Olivia had a smile on her face every day.