LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —Two new Henderson police officers share a bond much deeper than the badge.
A young man and woman who spent their childhoods in separate foster homes were eventually adopted into the same family and now they’ve just graduated side by side from the Henderson police academy.
“Being someone that was adopted as a teenager, that is very hard and very rare but I am beyond blessed to have that opportunity and to be in an amazing family that have pushed me and brought me to where I am today,” said Arieyana Chupp.
“Whenever people say oh, your adopted, I say hey, I was chosen and your parents were stuck with you,” said Michael Chupp.
Michael and Arieyana Chupp entered the foster care system as young children.
Michael was adopted at the age of four and Arieyanna as a teenager.
The two first met in respite care and say it felt like they were brother and sister from the start.
“We were bickering like brothers and sisters, but we got along like brothers and sisters, and I have always cared for her,” said Michael.
Both credit their adoptive parents, who opened their hearts and home, changing their lives.
Now, Michael and Arieyana are ready to live out their dreams of serving the city they call home.
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