Cop, son headed to DC to work Obama's inauguration

It was the luck of the draw that will take a Valley cop and his son to Washington, D.C. for President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration.

Phoenix Police Officer Thomas Ashmore voted for John McCain. "He's [Obama]going to be leading our country for four years, so we're going to have to stand behind him and go forward from this point."

As fate would have it, Ashmore's son, Scott, is part of Glendale's award-winning Mountain Ridge High School's marching band. They've been picked to represent Arizona during the inaugural parade. "He's a great kid. It's great. I feel extra special knowing I'm going back with him."

"I think it's going to be a great experience for both us. And to spend it with my son is fabulous. It's going to be something hopefully he'll pass on to his kids."

"I don't think he quite understands the historic events that are going to be unfolding in front of him," but he says his son is excited nonetheless.

Ashmore won't just stand behind the new president, but he'll be there to protect him. He's one of 70 Phoenix cops who've been hand-picked to provide security at Obama's inauguration.

Ashmore says he not sure what he'll be doing. "I could be up close and personal. I could be guarding a garbage can on a corner somewhere."

But he says it doesn't matter what he does, it's an honor to be asked.

The band needs some help financially to get to Washington, D.C. You can visit www.mrhsband.net to find out where to make a donation.