EPD Officer Saves Boy with Down Syndrome

Cold temperatures turned scary for an Evansville family when they couldn't get their son inside after his surgery.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A 16-year-old boy with Down Syndrome, Kaden Brown, had just returned home from a total spinal fusion surgery when his family couldn't get him inside due to the pain he was in. Kaden sat down on the sidewalk and refused to get up, as the temperature was around 12 degrees and very windy. The family called the Evansville Police Department, and Officer Josh Myers arrived and was able to lift Kaden and carry him inside.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of understanding and compassion from first responders when dealing with individuals with disabilities. The family expressed gratitude for the officer's quick action and willingness to go above and beyond to assist their son.

The details

After Kaden Brown's surgery, his family was unable to get him inside their home due to the pain he was experiencing. Kaden sat down on the sidewalk and refused to get up, as the temperature was around 12 degrees and very windy. The family called the Evansville Police Department, and Officer Josh Myers arrived and was able to lift Kaden and carry him inside.

  • Kaden Brown had just returned home from a total spinal fusion surgery.

The players

Kaden Brown

A 16-year-old boy with Down Syndrome who had just undergone a total spinal fusion surgery.

Michele Brown

Kaden's mother, who was unable to get him inside their home due to the pain he was experiencing after his surgery.

Officer Josh Myers

An Evansville Police Department officer who responded to the family's call and was able to lift and carry Kaden inside their home.

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What they’re saying

“Once we got home, he got out of the car, he started to walk towards the apartment or, you know, our home. And he decided that he couldn't make it.”

— Michele Brown, Kaden's mother

“I show up, I get out of my car, and I see this poor guy laying down on the sidewalk, he was shivering, his mom had a blanket on him. She was trying to get him up, but you know, 16, he's not a little kid. She couldn't get him up. I mean the Academy doesn't really prepare you for this, but I guess I'll just pick him up. And that's what I did, I just wrapped my arms around him, and kinda deadlifted him, and carried him inside.”

— Officer Josh Myers

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of understanding and compassion from first responders when dealing with individuals with disabilities. The quick action and willingness of Officer Josh Myers to go above and beyond to assist Kaden demonstrates the valuable role that law enforcement can play in supporting members of the community with special needs.