Jacob Bello's inspiring story highlights his journey from homelessness to becoming a police officer, thanks to the mentorship of Andy McIlveen, a retired police officer who offered him stability as a teenager. After growing up surrounded by addiction, Bello left his turbulent family home at 12, carrying little more than a blue duffel bag. Through the Chandler Police Department's youth program, he met McIlveen, who became a father figure and encouraged Bello to pursue his dream of law enforcement. Last year, Bello fulfilled that dream as he was pinned as a police officer by McIlveen, celebrating their bond.
A family had agreed to take in Bello, a homeless teenager, but he did not expect to stay there long - similar to his other living arrangements.
More than a decade later, McIlveen - now a retired police officer - cried as he pinned a badge onto Bello's police officer uniform last year.
Bello said he grew up in a Chandler home where there were severe addiction issues.
Not wanting to follow in his family's footsteps into addiction, Bello said he left his family home when he was 12.
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