Texas A&M: Superman inspires San Antonio cop to become real-life hero.

(From University Wire)

Byline: Jason Deuterman

From the age of nine, the "Man of Steel" filled Christopher Arroyo's dreams. It was from reading comic strips and watching cartoons that Superman became the role model that Arroyo looked up to, although his peers all wanted to be the "Dark Knight." "Everyone wanted to be Batman, but I wanted to be Superman," Arroyo said.

It's true that a single man will never be faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive or able to leap over tall buildings in a single bound. But perhaps, even without superpowers, a person can soar to great heights, filling the hearts of people with truth and justice and taking away pain and fear, leaving behind only hope. A hero must answer the call of the public voice without hesitation, and it is amid the San Antonio Police Department that such a hero works.

It was Arroyo's love for Superman that helped foster a love for his fellow man. Coming from a broken home, Arroyo knew that he wanted to give back to the public. More importantly, he wanted the opportunity to help young people find the straight and narrow path.

"It was just what I wanted to do," Arroyo said. "Both the police officer and Superman wear a blue uniform, and they both strive to change lives." Arroyo's connection with Superman goes further. The officer keeps the "Man of Steel" with him both at home and on the job. He owns T-shirts, stickers and even a hand-made blanket. Superman symbolizes who Arroyo is, said Connie Navarro, Arroyo's mother-in-law.

"When I see Superman, I think of him," she said.