A 4-year-old boy recently found comfort in a University of Arizona police officer while walking down Tumamoc Hill.
UAPD Officer Andrew Valenzuela was at Tumamoc Hill responding to a routine service call when he came across 4-year-old Liam walking with his family.
In a Facebook post, UAPD said Liam was scared that he was up so high and asked Valenzuela to hold his hand as they trekked down the hill.
While walking down the hill, Valenzuela and Liam chatted about police, firefighters and superheroes.
Liam's mom later reached out to the department and called Officer Valenzuela "a prime example of what it means to be a civil servant."
"He walked down with us and gave Liam a bunch of education," she continued, according to the Facebook post. "You guys never get enough credit for what you do and words cannot express my gratitude. Please let Officer Valenzuela know how much it made our day."
People are also reading…
- Arizona's Medicaid, AHCCCS, undergoes huge changes
- Vacant Tucson stores could transform into new housing
- Tucson's newest Shake Shack gets neighbors
- This mother-daughter duo is taking on Tucson one breakfast burrito at a time
- Tucson cuts off water for Project Blue, demands payback
- Project Blue protest in Tucson turns physical
- New images show Arizona archaeological site scarred by border wall work
- Tucson's west side faces months-long street closure
- U of A students call for cancellation of graduation speaker accused by ex-partner
- Lithuanian center Ugnius Jarusevicius reportedly transferring from Nebraska to Arizona
- Pima County official: Nanos angry she gave FBI info in Guthrie case
- Over 60 fun events happening in Tucson in May 🌺🩷
- What's on the line for 4 Arizona Wildcats at 2026 NBA Combine
- Why Tucson’s ‘easy’ commute doesn’t feel that way
- Dutch center Endurance Aiyamenkhue commits to Arizona men's basketball for 2026-27
Tumamoc Hill research
- Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star
Tumamoc Hill research
- Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star
Tumamoc Hill research
- Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star
Photos: Citizen scientist helps while walking on Tumamoc Hill
Walkers on Tumamoc Hill gather data for researchers
Tumamoc Hill research
- Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star
Tumamoc Hill research
- Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star
Contact reporter Gloria Knott at gknott@tucson.com or 573-4235. On Twitter: @gloriaeknott
Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community.
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter.
Gloria Knott
#ThisIsTucson Editor

