"Thank you for risking your life:" Pierce Elementary students write letters of gratitude for MPD officers

MILWAUKEE -- Cops at kids, they don't always have the best relationships in Milwaukee. Thursday, that's different all thanks to an idea by some third graders.

"Dear Milwaukee Police Department. Thank you for risking your life for us" -- these are the words we don't always hear.

"Thank you for protecting everybody who needs help," letters read.

"Thank you for everything you have done for hundreds of years. Thank you for saving everyone."

At the Pierce Elementary School Boys and Girls Club...

"I am happy you love us and you take care of us."

A group of kids have turned an idea into a reality.

"My heart right now is pounding because it is overwhelming," Officer Edward Ciano, Milwaukee Police Department.

Thursday, they are reading letters of gratitude to officers from District 5 who patrol their streets.

"Your families must be so proud of you for caring so much about the others that you jeopardize your own safety to promote peace."

"It's an overwhelming emotion. I've got a friend," said Ciano.

Officer Edward Ciano is listening.

"It's nice to hear something from someone who says thank you," said Officer Ciano.

Some of these kids live on Milwaukee's most dangerous streets. Rarely are these moments captured.

"To look in the kids' eyes to see how happy they were to see us," said Ciano.

It may be the kids sending nice notes to the officers...

"I appreciate everything you do. I want to be just like you.

"I remember when you saved my friends. Thank you. Sincerely, Jace Perry."

But it's also the cops saying thank you.

"It's very special. It means a lot to them and it means a lot to us," Ciano said.

The officers say the letters will be shared with everyone back at District 5.

The kids also received a promotion -- they've all been named junior officers for the day. Well deserved.