NEW HOLSTEIN, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Like any parent, all Amie Lisowe wanted to do was surprise her kids for their birthday. She had planned to surprise her children, Karsten 7, and Callee, 4, with a trip to Disney World. However, coronavirus had other plans, and has pushed that trip to an unknown but hopeful later date.
"I love birthdays. I'm a huge birthday planner. I've always planned big celebrations for my kids," Lisowe, a counselor at Chilton Elementary said. "So there's been tears. Tears of mine and tears from them. They just don't understand."
In lieu of vacation, Lisowe had an idea to gather friends and family from the area in a parade that her kids could watch from the sidewalk. Her aunt Sherry Hoesly, who lives out of state, decided to take it to the next level in her absence and invite local law enforcement to participate.
"I know how thrilled the kids would be if any type of police or fire vehicle could be part of the procession," Hoesly said via email. "[...] but since we cannot be there, as we live in Illinois, I was hoping to add something special to their day and also to lift the spirits of my niece and her husband as they have been forward to this trip and this surprise for their kids for a very long time."
In response, the New Holstein Police and Fire Departments, along with Calumet Sheriff's Office and Kiel Police Department, gathered at the New Holstein Fire Department at 11 a.m. to depart for the parade route.
"When everyone started coming out, I actually started crying," Lisowe said, "because this is just awesome. This is why I love living in a small town."
Karsten and Callee recieved gifts through car windows from police and close friends to open in their front yard as neighbors looked on. Lisowe's father organized a motorcycle group to join the festivities as well.
Callee, whose fourth birthday was Friday, said her favorite part of the parade was the chorus of sirens, and her favorite gift recieved was a Frozen doll.
