Every Friday mornings before he heads to school, 12-year-old Oliver Strickfaden stops at the Farmington Hills city complex to play the National Anthem on his saxophone for first responders.
Oliver plays in front of the police department, the fire department and the city hall. He began his Friday morning performances back in October, and he's out there each week, no matter the weather. He often dedicates his playing to veterans. (Requests for the weekly dedications can be sent to oliverplaysforvets@gmail.com)
He told JJ & JoAnne he wanted to give back to our first responders during the difficult times we've been through, particularly with COVID.
Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard was so impressed with Oliver's commitment to our first responders he offered a ride in the Sheriff Department's chopper. Oliver, his mom and sister, took him up on it.
"It was awesome," Oliver said.
Oliver is quite a talented young man. He's in the Civic Youth Ensemble for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He's also an accomplished LEGO builder.
