The son of a late Edinburg police investigator started his senior year on Monday.

Edinburg police officers, including Police Chief Jaime Ayala, surprised John Ryan at his school.

They lined the entryway to welcome him. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged, and Ryan was also given a goodie basket.

Ayala says they wanted Ryan to know he's not alone.

"We're a family. So today, they wanted to come out and be here and be present for Ryan's first day of his senior year here at PSJA," Ayala said.

John Olivarez recently died of cancer. He started more than 20 years ago as a street cop, then joined the SWAT team and FBI task force. He was also a veterann

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