Motorcycle officers surprise South Bay Children's Hospital patients

SARATOGA, Calif. (KTVU) -- Bay Area Police launched a massive motorcycle mission to surprise sick children in the South Bay Wednesday. Organizers say even they were shocked by how many agencies wanted to take part.

The surprise started when dozens of motorcycle officers from as far north as South San Francisco and as far south as San Jose, met outside the Menlo Park Police Department.

"I expected 10-12 motorcycles and we'd make an afternoon of it and it's grown to this," said Menlo Park Motor Officer Felicia Byars, who organized the event.

The badges on the officers were different but their goal was the same.

A long line of motorcycle officers suited up and drove in formation from Menlo Park to the Sub-Acute Saratoga Children's Hospital in Saratoga to surprise dozens of children with serious medical conditions and one young man in particular.

"He wanted to see a few motorcycles," said Respiratory Therapist Marisa Orozco. "This is beyond anything we ever expected."

In total, about 50 police officers from more than 10 different agencies across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties turned out.

Agencies involved included police from Daly City, San Bruno, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Brisbane, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department and the CHP, all because of one young man's wish to meet a motorcycle officer.

That young man is Jordan Namauleg of San Jose. The 18-year-old from his wheelchair waved to the officers as the motorcycles arrived with a big smile on his face.

Thanks to his lifelong wish, about 20 children who also live at the hospital and require 24-7 medical care got a surprise from leather-wearing bikers with big hearts.

Jordan was born with a congenital condition that affects his bones and respiratory system. Wednesday he sat on a motorcycle for the first time.

"I know he can do more than everyone thinks he can do. That just keeps us going because he's a fighter," said his mother Tricia Indaleciao.

Six motor officers from the San Jose Police Department also took part.

The touching event came one week after the funeral for their colleague, Motor Officer Michael Katherman, who died in an accident while on-duty two weeks prior.

"To be able to bring the guys out to do something positive like this after such an emotional, difficult week...the timing couldn't be better," said San Jose Police Motor Sergeant Michael Trudeau.

Some officers left with a better appreciation for life.

"Anything like this that would brighten their day up...I would do it in a heartbeat," said South San Francisco Police Motor Officer Robby Chon.

"We just hope everybody has a good time," said Officer Byars.  "And everybody walks away realizing the world's a good place."