Teen Visits Officers Yearly After They Helped Save Him as an Infant
Published on June 26, 2025
Every year for the last 12 years, Kadien Barth stops by the Merriam Police Department to say ‘hello’ to the two officers who helped save his life.
Kadien was just 2 months old when then-detectives Chris Brokaw and Jeremiah Waters came into his life. Kadien was being abused at his home.
“Kadien coded six to seven times in the ambulance,” his grandmother Dawn Barth said. “I was focused to make sure we got him after we found out about the abuse.”
More than a decade later, those two detectives who helped place Kadien in a safe environment are still with the Merriam Police Department, and Kadien visits with them every year.
“When he was 2 or 3 years old, Kadien wanted to meet the officers,” Barth said.
And, those visits with Maj. Brokaw and Capt. Waters continued throughout the years. Kadien even enjoys volunteering with Waters at Special Olympics Kansas events.
Brokaw and Waters said these visits are very special to them as well.
“We love it when Kadien stops by to visit,” Brokaw said. “It’s really heartwarming to know that we’ve made a difference in his life, but also he and these visits have influenced our lives in an impactful way.”
“Kadien’s story and his family are one that reminds me of why we get into law enforcement: to help people,” Waters said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to know Dawn and Kadien for a long time and have witnessed what miracles, hard work, and true family support can do for someone.”
“They’ve been very supportive of us and our visits,” Barth said. “They’ve been amazing and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Kadien is now 15 years old and is about to be a junior at Turner High School. His future possibilities are endless thanks to the officers who helped protect him all those years ago.
