LOGAN — Most people would not consider getting arrested a top item on their bucket list, but for a young 12-year-old Hyrum boy it’s been a life-long dream. Phippin “Phip” Tingey has always had a special place in his heart for law enforcement, and on Wednesday he worked his way into the hearts of several troopers and deputies.
Tingey, who suffers from a neurological disease, had his wish come true when he got to experience what it is like to be arrested and booked into the Cache County Jail. He said he loves to meet those who wear the badge and used to dress up like police while telling his neighbors to follow the law.
“I would have this jacket on that says Search and Rescue and try to keep everyone safe,” said Tingey.
Several weeks ago, Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cade Brenchley found out about Phip’s wish and started making some phone calls. He contacted Sgt. Virgil Hutton, who assists in overseeing the jail, to ask if there was any way the Hyrum boy could take a tour. After receiving approval from Sheriff Chad Jensen, Brenchley and Hutton began forming a plan.
Wednesday afternoon Brenchley drove to Tingey’s house and worked out a way for the boy to be driven to the jail in a trooper’s vehicle. Tingey’s parents, uncle and grandmother came along for support.
Inside the jail, Phip, who is in a wheelchair, toured the booking and pod control areas and learned how deputies guard the inmates. He also got to see what it was like to wear handcuffs and have his fingerprints taken.
Throughout the tour Tingey was all smiles. He would wave and introduce himself to each deputy, shaking their hands and telling them that he was getting arrested.
Hutton also took Tingey to meet Sheriff Jensen who gave the teen boy an official sheriff’s hat. He also presented him with a challenge coin, a small medallion with the sheriff’s office insignia on it.
As he left the sheriff’ office, Phip said the tour was pretty cool but a little scary.
“It was a good experience for me but I learned that going to jail is not fun, not fun at all.”
Tingey has Aicardi-Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), a neurological disease that impacts the brain, spinal cord and immune system. Although as a child he was able to run, jump and play, during the past four years he has begun losing some of his physical functions.