When Riley and Emily Portie were struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding their motorcycle on May 24, the married couple left behind a family of five children. One of these was their son, Kazzie Portie, due to graduate Little Cypress–Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas, only a week later.

Kazzie Portie

Kazzie Portie/Facebook

Officer Eric Ellison was the one to deliver the news to Portie, who was at the family home by himself at the time. Portie mentioned that he didn’t know if he would walk at his upcoming graduation, but Ellison insisted that he do so, even saying he’d be there himself for support.

Eric Ellison

Eric Ellison/Facebook

“I said, ‘You are going to walk!'” Ellison told BuzzFeed News. “Your mom and dad will have front-row seats looking down from heaven, and I’ll stand in their place. I’ve got your back.”

The graduation issue resonated with Ellison after seeing his own daughter graduate the previous Friday.

Portie’s brother was there to film his graduation moment. Look at the crowd go wild, giving a standing ovation upon the announcement of his name.