In a remarkable twist of fate, two seasoned law enforcement officers, living in proximity but complete strangers, discovered they share an extraordinary connection: they are half-brothers. The odds of such a scenario are astronomical, yet reality proved stranger than fiction for these two Florida cops.
Jim McNeff, a writer for Law Enforcement Today, recounts his experience meeting Eric Reynolds of the Boynton Beach Police Department at a law enforcement retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains a few years prior. McNeff held Reynolds in high regard, respecting the professional challenges he had faced. Little did he know that Reynolds’ story was about to become even more compelling.
Recently, Reynolds’ story gained national attention, prompting McNeff to reach out. The catalyst for this incredible revelation was an email Reynolds received from David Stull, a sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Central Florida. The message read:
“Eric, Good morning, my name is David Stull (Dave). According to 23andMe, we are half brothers. I was adopted as an infant and have very little knowledge of my family history, so I have no way of knowing the validity of this. But, if genetics dictate our lives, there may be something to it. We both live in Florida and are apparently both cops. I don’t want to push this on you, in fact, I’m not yet sure how far I want to go with it. But, if you are interested in communicating, reply to this message. If not, no hard feelings and I won’t bother you any further. Thanks, Dave”
Reynolds had used 23andMe, a DNA genetic testing company, three years prior to explore his family’s ancestry, but never anticipated such a discovery. The news was overwhelming. “It was pretty stressful, it was emotional, it was sad because I didn’t know the story of his history,” Reynolds shared at a news conference. “We’re still learning so much about each other. It’s amazing.”
Stull echoed the sentiment: “I was expecting to see cousins and stuff like that. The top of the list said half brother. I hadn’t considered that possibility,” said Dave. “It just kind of blew up from there.”
The two men met for the first time on July 20th. The instant connection was undeniable. “My wife is always like, are you texting your brother again?” Stull told local reporters. “Of course, because we have 50 years to make up for it.”
Reynolds added, “We’re both retiring soon so we’ll have plenty of time to catch up. I have a chapter, he has a chapter, now we have a third chapter to work on.”
The Boynton Beach Police Department shared the heartwarming story on Twitter:
Eric and David went 50 years without knowing they were brothers. A DNA test with @23andMe brought them together! One is a @BBPD officer and the other is an @OrangeCoSheriff deputy. This is the kind of story that makes you smile. FULL STORY tonight @WPTV https://t.co/b4tgi0YMyy pic.twitter.com/Fnm7OEReT0
“Good morning, my name is David Stull. According to @23andMe, we’re half-brothers.” The start of an email #BBPD Officer Eric Reynolds got from the brother he never knew he had – an @OrangeCoSheriff sergeant! More on this incredible story of brotherhood tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/U6zwpWiDQq
Reynolds mentioned that he lives approximately 2 ½ hours from Stull, and their connection has been remarkable. “To hang out with someone who has the same hands as you is weird,” Reynolds joked. Both men share not only the same biological father but also a shared profession. Interestingly, both had served as bicycle patrol officers during their careers.
Stull was adopted by a military family and was an only child. He lost his adopted mother to Alzheimer’s about 18 years ago, and his adopted father passed away last year. The discovery of a new family has been a blessing for him.
Their father was unaware of Stull’s existence. Reynolds shared the news with him, and his reaction was one of disbelief. Reynolds, 49, and Stull, 51, are separated in age by about 15 months. Reynolds is delighted to have the “big brother” he never had.
Eric’s mother is a retired Miami-Dade homicide detective. As the two new brothers compared notes, it appears that her path crossed with Stull’s during one of the hurricane operations. Their story has garnered widespread attention, even reaching the Norwegian press. Furthermore, the brothers were featured on “Fox and Friends.”
While the discovery of these new relationships has been a whirlwind, it has been a welcomed addition to their lives. Reynolds plans to retire from the Boynton Beach Police Department later this year and intends to seek Stull’s advice on travel trailers. Until then, they will continue to serve on the Thin Blue Line, knowing they have a biological brother they can count on as back-up.
This heartwarming story highlights the unexpected ways that connections can be forged, even after decades of separation. It’s a testament to the enduring power of family and the bonds that unite us, regardless of circumstance. It also speaks to the unique brotherhood shared by those who serve in law enforcement. ”