70 officers form guard of honour for boy, 5, on his first day back at school

What an incredible gesture. 

When Dakota Pitt asked his mum, Josie, if one of his dad's colleagues could bring him to school, we're sure he wasn't expecting this to happen. 

The 5-year-old sadly lost his father, Officer Rob Pitts, who died in the line of duty, just two weeks ago, and he didn't want to go back to school alone. 

Dakota asked his mom if one of his dad’s friends could drive him to school for his first day back. Little did he know that would turn into 70 Terre Haute and Vigo County officers showing up in Sullivan. He was shocked pic.twitter.com/lbXquLdTJU

— Kiley Thomas (@KileyWTHI) May 14, 2018

So Josie reached out to her late husband's colleagues and friends, and the response she received with incredible. 

When Dakota showed up at the school gate there wasn't just one officer waiting for him there…

There were, in fact, 70 Terre Haute officers and Vigo County Sheriff's Deputies there ready  to escort him to class.  

Today is the first day back to school for Dakota Pitts. Little does he know 60 officers are about to escort him to school. We’re at Sullivan Elementary right now. Stay tuned for the emotional return! @WTHITV pic.twitter.com/NGOw3J9gsM

— Kiley Thomas (@KileyWTHI) May 14, 2018

"He will definitely know his dad was a hero,” said Dakota's aunt, Kelli Jones, told WTHI TV. 

"Blood doesn't always make family and I think the blue family went above and beyond."

The school's principal Samantha Phegley explained that the first day back would have been incredibly difficult for Dakota, but she hopes it is one he will remember forever.  

"A student's return to school after the death of a loved one, especially a parent, is difficult. Having the support of Rob's police family helped Dakota take those first few steps. Our hope is that Dakota's first day back to school after his father's passing is one that he will remember forever and that he will always know how much his father's sacrifice meant to all of us."