COVINGTON, Ga. -- A lot of kids like to dress up as their heroes for Halloween, and 4-year-old Max Smith knew exactly who he wanted to be – Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper.
Cooper was shot while responding to a shoplifting call in September.
Covington Police posted a photo of Smith on its Facebook page, striking a pose in front of the police department with a photo of Cooper in the background.
“Max Smith could have been Batman, Ironman, or Spider-Man, but he chose to be 'our man' Officer Matt Cooper for Halloween! Max Smith is definitely #148Strong.”
Cooper was shot while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart in Covington on Labor Day. He is continuing his treatment at the Shepherd Center’s Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program.
Covington Police said Cooper’s medical team is pleased with his progress. He has been responding to questions by squeezing hands, and was able to mouth “I love you” to his wife.
"He is brave and strong!" Max said of Officer Cooper.
Jennifer Smith, Max's mom, said she was born and raised in Covington -- her great-grandparents even lived across the street from the police department.
"I grew up loving and honoring the Covington Police Department," Smith said. "My mom found the costume and Max knew right away who he wanted to be for Halloween."
On Thursday, Captain Malcom invited Max to tour the Covington Police Department and meet the officers. He proudly arrived in his Officer Cooper costume.
Jennifer said that she shared the news about the shooting with Max and her 7-year-old daughter after attending several local events supporting Officer Cooper in Covington.
"Our town rallied together very quickly and it was an awesome thing to see," Jennifer said. "We told the kids that we were there to support Officer Cooper and his family because he was trying to capture a bad guy. We told him he is a hero, and that's how Max has seen him ever since."
When the Smith family set out to trick-or-treat on Halloween -- they made a special stop at the Covington Police Department to take a picture.
"We always come to the square for Halloween, and it was important to come to the police department and take the picture -- we hoped it would bring a smile to Officer Cooper's face," Smith said.
The photo was shared with Cooper.
"That in itself has made everything so worth it," Smith said. "To know we put a smile on his face."
