Son of murdered police officer given teddy bears made from dad's uniform

ByCrystal Isaac KABC logo
Friday, December 2, 2016
Bear sown from police uniform
A very special bear is put together for the son of a police officer who lost his life.

CLAYTON, Mo. -- It's been two months since St. Louis Police Officer Blake Snyder was killed in the line of duty, and his two-year-old son has not stopped asking for his daddy.

Synder's wife told KTVI that talk will happen in the future, but for now, little Malachi has something he can hold on to and always remember his dad - two teddy bears made out of his father's uniform.

Officer Blake Snyder's widow Elizabeth posted a photo of their son on Facebook with the teddy bears.

Officer Synder was shot and killed on October 6 after responding to a domestic disturbance call. Police say the 18-year-old suspect, Trenton Forster, opened fire "almost immediately upon the officer's arrival," striking Snyder point blank. Chief Jon Belmar says the wound was immediately fatal. Foster has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Snyder's death.

Elizabeth Synder is still struggling to cope with her grief, but said she is grateful for all the support she has received since her husband's death. She expressed her gratitude on Thanksgiving in a Facebook post. It reads in part: These two boys mean everything to me, and I'm thankful I have a bit of Blake still here with me. I am also thankful for every person who has generously helped support Chi and I.

The words "love you always" and "always with you" are sewn into the feet of each bear.