Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Dallas Officer Drives 11 Hours to Play Superman for Boy with Cancer

Dallas police Senior Cpl. Damon Cole saw an online picture of Bryce, dressed up as Superman for Halloween. Cole has a 7-year-old of his own — a daughter — and was touched by Bryce’s story. He wanted to do something to help the boy and his family.

May 1, 2015
Dallas Officer Drives 11 Hours to Play Superman for Boy with Cancer

Dallas officer Damon Cole drove 11 hours to play Superman for 7-year-old Bryce Schottel. (Photo: Damon Cole)

2 min to read



Brian Schottel says his 7-year-old son, Bryce, has a tumor in his stomach that’s so big, the boy looks like he “could be a 50-year-old with a beer belly.”

Dallas police Senior Cpl. Damon Cole saw an online picture of Bryce, dressed up as Superman for Halloween. Cole has a 7-year-old of his own — a daughter — and was touched by Bryce’s story. He wanted to do something to help the boy and his family, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Ad Loading...

One super problem: Bryce and his family don’t live around here. Not even close. They live in Smithton, Ill., a town of 3,500 people about 30 minutes outside of St. Louis.

So Cole hopped in his Superman-wrapped black 2012 Dodge Charger this month and drove up, up and away for 11 hours to spend time with Bryce.

When he got to Illinois, Cole knocked on the Schottels’ door in a full Superman costume and greeted Bryce, who was diagnosed with lymphoma Feb. 28 and has been receiving chemotherapy treatments. Cole showed Bryce his car. He gave him his spare Superman cape, an action figure and a keychain.

“All Bryce kept saying was ‘Wow,’” Brian Schottel said.

Dad said he was in awe, too.

Ad Loading...

Cole has been dressing as Superman for years now. He is part of a cadre of Dallas officers — called “Heroes, Cops and Kids” — who portray superheroes regularly to mentor kids.

But Cole’s love of Superman goes back further. When he was a Little Elm cop eight years ago, he had the Superman logo stitched into his bulletproof vest.

“You get some kids who are scared of us because when their parents are out, they’ll see us and say, ‘Hey, if you don’t behave, I’ll get that officer to arrest you,’” Cole said. “We don’t want that. We want the kid to know he can come to us at any time.”

He said he builds a rapport with kids when he shows them the vest. The kids then ask where his cape is.

“I’m like, ‘Well, I can’t wear my cape with my uniform. It’ll get wrinkles,’” he said. “And they believe it, and they eat it up.”

More Patrol

Graphic titled “5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights” featuring a compact Streamlight flashlight attached to tactical gear. Police Law Enforcement Solutions branding appears in the lower corner against a dark, dramatic background.
PatrolMay 21, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use

What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.

Read More →
graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →