Their School. Their Safety. Their Hero.

Laser engraving on a 12-by-12-inch square basswood panel depicting Officer Boyd standing confidently in front of Bluebonnet Elementary while children walk toward the school behind him. He wears his school deputy uniform with a large superhero-style cape flowing behind him. Text at the bottom reads, “Officer Boyd — Their School. Their Safety. Their Hero.”

My son asked me to create something for a man he believes embodies A Father’s Heart. The cape isn't about pretending he's a superhero. It's a nod to the way the children under his care already see him. Laser engraved on 12 × 12 basswood.

My son asked me to make something for a wonderful man who embodies “A Father’s Heart,” so of course I said yes. This is a laser-engraved piece of 12 × 12 basswood that I think captures the quiet strength he displays, the approachable and kind power he models for the kids, and the constant vigilance required of a school deputy. The cape is a nod to the way this gentleman is seen by every child under his care. This man perfectly embodies what we celebrate. On one side, nothing but smiles and no hint of the seriousness of his position. On the other side, very broad shoulders holding far more weight than he shows us. He chooses to carry it and does so with a smile. He makes that choice so the little shoulders never feel heavy. Another favorite part of this piece - My son really saw Officer Boyd. All of the kids do! This man is a wonderful example of a Father's Heart and he deserves to be celebrated.

Why we made it

My son wanted to recognize someone at his school who had made an impression on him—not simply because of the uniform he wears, but because of the kind of man he is. We wanted to create something that showed both sides of that role: the strength and vigilance required to protect a school, alongside the kindness and approachability that allow children to feel safe around the person protecting them. That's why he's depicted standing watch while the children simply go about being children—and why we gave him the cape.