13-year-old 'trooper in training' visits Mass. State Police in nationwide tour

A 13-year-old boy who was once bullied in school is now a trooper in training.

Two years ago, Brett Holbrook met his first state trooper when his dad was stopped for speeding in Ohio. That traffic stop left the teen fascinated with police -- and sent him on a mission to become one himself.

But his first step was to visit every barracks in Ohio, a task that quickly evolved into visiting one in all 50 states.

"We went down to Bowling Green which is our closest post and they made him an honorary trooper," Brett's father, Scott Holbrook said. "Then he goes, I want to go visit every state now."

On Tuesday, Brett was able to cross Massachusetts off his list with a visit to the State Police Barracks in Danvers.

Major Pasquale Russolillo added him to the roster and gave him the grand tour, even allowing Brett to sit at his desk to field questions from reporters.

"It's not scary to be a trooper. You just have to do a perfect job," said Brett. "I wanted to thank everybody in all states for keeping the roads safe."

Brett's parents said what makes his mission so special is how much of a positive impact the experience is having on him. Forging relationships with troopers has boosted the 13-year-old's confidence, particularly as he deals with Apraxia, a motor disorder caused by damage to the brain because of his birth mother's excessive drinking.

"He was shy, bashful, wouldn't do anything... and look at him now," said his father. "He's got a golf cart at home [and] pulls people over on our street. He's turned around. This is amazing."

Brett used to be bullied because of his slow speech, but now his classmates look up to him. As do his new friends in Massachusetts, which just so happens to be his favorite state.

"We're lucky to have you here. We're very lucky to have you here," said Major Russolillo. "You bring a lot of smiles to our face. You really do my friend. It was a pleasure."

Brett will be in Rhode Island on Wednesday.

Cox Media Group