<p>TOWNSEND, MASS. (WHDH) - A Townsend mom thanked police officers for rescuing her two daughters after they got lost hiking.</p>
<p>Police were dispatched after the two girls, ages 8 and 16, called their mom and told her they were lost.</p>
<p>Officers were able to ping the girls&rsquo; phones to Barker Hill Road and use the sound of their horns to guide them back.</p>
<p>The girls were located approximately 20 minutes from time of dispatch, according to police.</p>
<div class="wp-block-ad-slot">&nbsp;</div>
<p>When asked if they were alright, the 8-year-old sister said, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m never going hiking with her again.&rdquo;</p>

Inspirational Stories

Swift Police Response

Community Safety

A Townsend mom thanked police officers for rescuing her two daughters after they got lost hiking. Police were dispatched after the two girls, ages 8 and 16, called their mom and told her they were lost.

‘I’m never going hiking with her again:’ Townsend Police rescue sisters lost in the woods

<p dir="ltr">In Decatur, Alabama, the police department is looking toward the future, not just by patrolling the streets, but by mentoring the young people who live on them. A new initiative is giving students a real look into the life of service. The goal is to build understanding and inspire the next generation of law enforcement officers from within their own community.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Glimpse Behind the Badge</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Decatur Police Department recently launched its Police Explorer Program, a hands-on initiative for local students interested in public safety. The program gives young people a firsthand view of the dedication and skill required for a law enforcement career path. Participants get involved in a range of activities, from physical training drills that build discipline to classroom sessions that explain the fundamentals of police work.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The effort is guided by dedicated officers, including School Resource Officers who play a key role as mentors and educators within the school system. "We want to get a group of kids who are interested in policing and hopefully when they are of age we can have some kids go through our program and become Decatur police officers,&rdquo; said School Resource Officer Rance Sullivan.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Mentors in Uniform</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The program is about more than just drills and procedures; it is about human connection and sharing experiences. The Explorers recently heard from Traffic Officer Jones, an officer who was once a Police Explorer himself. He shared his personal journey through the police academy and explained the specific responsibilities of a traffic officer, offering a clear example of where the program can lead.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This kind of mentorship is at the heart of the program. The officers involved are focused on teaching valuable life skills that extend far beyond policing, including responsibility, a strong work ethic, and the importance of community connection. It is a powerful form of police and community partnership aimed at building lasting trust.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Building a Bridge to the Future</h2>
<p dir="ltr">By investing in students today, the Decatur Police Department is building a stronger, safer community for tomorrow. The Explorer Program provides a positive environment for youth development and allows teens to engage with officers as guides and role models. This proactive approach to community policing helps demystify the badge and fosters mutual respect between officers and the city&rsquo;s youth.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The program's focus on service aligns with what <a href="https://www.learningforlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/LFL-Combined-Foundational-Reports-4-22-15.pdf">research</a> confirms about civic engagement: providing young people with opportunities for service learning leads to a higher likelihood of community involvement in adulthood. By creating this pipeline of mentorship and education, Decatur is not only addressing future police recruitment needs but also cultivating a generation of responsible and engaged citizens.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Final Thought</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Programs like the Decatur Police Explorers showcase the deep commitment officers have to the communities they serve. These positive police stories highlight the mentorship and guidance that happen every day. To learn more about our mission to share these stories, please visit our <a href="https://welovepolice.org/">Homepage</a> and read about our purpose on our <a href="https://welovepolice.org/about-us">About Us</a> page.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
<h2 dir="ltr">1. What is the Decatur Police Explorer Program?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Decatur Police Explorer Program is a youth outreach initiative created by the Decatur Police Department. It gives students interested in law enforcement a firsthand look at the profession through physical training, classroom education, and mentorship from active officers.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2. What is the main goal of the program?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The primary goal is to inspire and mentor a new generation of potential police officers from the local community. It also aims to teach participants valuable life skills like responsibility and work ethic, while building stronger, more positive relationships between police and youth.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">3. What do participants learn in the Police Explorers?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Explorers learn about various aspects of a law enforcement career. This includes patrol basics, the duties of specialized roles like traffic officers, and the physical and mental requirements for graduating the police academy.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">4. Who leads the Decatur Police Explorer Program?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The program is led by active members of the Decatur Police Department, including School Resource Officers like Rance Sullivan. Experienced officers, such as Traffic Officer Jones, also serve as mentors by sharing their personal experiences.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">5. What is a School Resource Officer (SRO)?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, a School Resource Officer (SRO) is a carefully selected, specifically trained, and properly equipped law enforcement officer with sworn authority, trained in school-based law enforcement and crisis response and assigned by an employing law enforcement agency to work collaboratively with one or more schools using community-oriented policing concepts.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">6. Is this program only for students who want to become police officers?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">While it is designed to inspire future officers, the program teaches valuable life skills like discipline, leadership, and civic responsibility that are beneficial for any career path. It offers a structured environment for positive youth development.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Sources:</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Image Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C4fGXrTcx/">Decatur Police Department, Alabama</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-dd8795c3-7fff-7ccf-5d73-0186912b7d3d">Story &amp; Video Source: <a href="https://www.waff.com/2025/06/17/decatur-program-aims-inspire-next-generation-police-officers/">Decatur program aims to inspire the next generation of police officers: WAFF 48</a> (by WAFF 48 Digital Staff)</strong></p>

Community Involvement

From physical training to classroom lessons, see how Decatur officers are mentoring the next generation and strengthening community bonds.

Inside the Decatur, AL Police Youth Outreach Program

Decatur Officers Guide Next Generation of Law Enforcement

<p dir="ltr">In a city as dynamic as Atlanta, the role of a police officer demands a unique blend of courage, empathy, and resilience. For a growing number of women joining the Atlanta Police Department, these qualities are not just professional requirements; they are the foundation of a powerful sisterhood. This is a look at the inspirational women cops who are not only serving the community but also uplifting one another and shaping the future of law enforcement.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A New Officer&rsquo;s Calling</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Meet Officer Brianna Williams, one of the newest members of the APD family, assigned to Zone 4. Reflecting on her start, she captures the mix of feelings that come with wearing the badge for the first time. &ldquo;As a new officer, I can definitely say that it's been exciting, nerve-wrecking, probably just a bunch of emotions,&rdquo; Officer Williams shared. &ldquo;But overall I could say the experience has been like a lot of fun.&rdquo; Her journey into public service is a testament to her community commitment and dedication to what it means to be a police officer. She embraces the culture of mentorship, noting, &ldquo;People looked out for me&hellip;and I'm looking out for people.&rdquo;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The Mission for a More Representative Force</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Officer Williams is part of a crucial national movement. The Atlanta Police Department is a proud participant in the <a href="https://30x30initiative.org/">30x30 Initiative</a>, a mission to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. The importance of this goal is clear. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, women currently represent less than 14% of sworn officers nationwide. The 30x30 Initiative notes that reaching a 30% representation is key for a minority group to truly influence an organization&rsquo;s culture. By fostering diversity, the APD is building a stronger, more effective department that better reflects the people it serves. This commitment to gender equality in law enforcement enhances police and community relations across the city.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This journey comes with challenges, but Officer Williams has a powerful message for the next generation of women considering this career. "Don't let your beauty. Don't let your looks. Don't let your gender be a reason that you feel you won't be taken serious and that you can't do this because you can," she advises. Her words highlight the emotional intelligence and inner strength required for the job. "You're definitely stronger than you realize you are." This encouragement is central to the law enforcement family, where support and integrity in policing are vital for officer wellness programs.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Building a Safer Atlanta Together</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The presence of officers like Brianna Williams is about more than just numbers. It&rsquo;s about broadening perspectives, enhancing communication, and strengthening the community-police partnership. The department&rsquo;s focus on APD recruitment for women is a deliberate step toward a safer Atlanta. As more inspirational women leaders join the ranks, they serve as powerful role models, proving that a career in law enforcement is a career that matters for everyone. Through their service, they uphold the police officer's oath and values every day, contributing to a brighter future of women in policing.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Final Thought</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The stories of women like Officer Williams are central to understanding the modern police officer's role in society. Their dedication, resilience, and compassion create a legacy of service and inspire others to answer the call. Here at We Love Police, we believe that supporting these officers is just as important as celebrating their stories. That is why we provide resources like <a href="https://telachap.org/company/we-love-police/">our chaplain service</a>, offering a vital network of support for officers and their families who navigate the challenges of the job every day. To read more inspiring accounts, we invite you to explore our site for <a href="https://welovepolice.org/stories">additional stories</a>.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. What is the 30x30 Initiative that the Atlanta Police Department is part of?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The 30x30 Initiative is a national effort to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by the year 2030. It aims to improve police culture and the success of women officers.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Why is it important to have more women in policing?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Increased diversity in policing, including more women, helps forces better reflect the communities they serve. It can lead to enhanced community trust, different approaches to conflict resolution, and improved outcomes.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">3. What percentage of police officers in the U.S. are women?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, women currently represent less than 14% of sworn officers in state and local law enforcement agencies across the United States.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">4. What does it mean to build a "representative police force"?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Building a representative police force means creating a department whose members reflect the gender, racial, and cultural diversity of the community it serves. This is a key factor in fostering trust and legitimacy.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Sources</h2>
<p><strong id="docs-internal-guid-9e52b83e-7fff-5869-2844-4e33aa0c7d47">Story &amp; Video Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/v/171gTRp5wt/">City of Atlanta Police Department Facebook Post</a>. (Video by Charis Harris and Tekia Parks, Public Affairs Unit.)</strong></p>

The Atlanta PD is building a stronger force with inspirational women like Officer Williams. Learn about the 30x30 Initiative and its impact.

APD & 30x30 Initiative: The Future of Women Cops

APD's Commitment to a Stronger, More Diverse Force

<p dir="ltr">In the early morning hours of June 30, a serious three-vehicle crash occurred in Sarasota, sparking an immediate life-saving response from nearby police officers. Their training and decisive action were critical in saving a woman&rsquo;s life at a dangerous and chaotic scene.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Nearby Crash and an Immediate Response</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Officers from the Sarasota Police Department were across the street on an unrelated call at the SR 45 / SR 683 split (US 41 / US 301) when they heard the collision. They immediately notified dispatch and ran to the scene to provide assistance. Upon arriving, they saw that one of the involved vehicles was on fire.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Rescue from a Burning Vehicle</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Bodycam footage shows the officers approaching the burning wreckage, where they found an unconscious woman still buckled into the driver's seat. The audio captures their urgent, clear communication, including phrases like "The vehicle is on fire!" and "go, go, go!" as they coordinated their actions.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The officers worked quickly, opening the car door and using a seatbelt cutter to free the driver. They then pulled the unconscious woman from the vehicle and moved her to a safe distance, just moments before the car became fully engulfed in flames.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Official Account and Ongoing Investigation</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In a statement, the Sarasota Police Department confirmed the outcome of the officers' actions. &ldquo;Their swift and selfless actions saved a life,&rdquo; the department wrote. &ldquo;A job well done by these officers who continue to serve with courage, commitment, and dedication to protecting others.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The crash remains under investigation by the department&rsquo;s Traffic Unit. This incident serves as a factual record of the risks officers face and the critical importance of their presence at emergency scenes. The actions of these officers are why we share these accounts. You can explore <a href="https://welovepolice.org/stories">more stories</a> or check our <a href="https://welovepolice.org/church-partner">Church Partners Program</a>.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Source Credits</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Primary Story/Video Source: Official social media post from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1232867434676864&amp;rdid=0KXnctEjNOrwfpil">Sarasota Police Department</a></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Additional Source: <a href="https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/2025/07/09/sarasota-officers-rescue-driver-after-fiery-wreck/84513084007/">&lsquo;Swift and selfless&rsquo;: Sarasota Police officers save unconscious woman from burning car</a> - Sarasota Herald-Tribune (by Melissa Pérez-Carrillo).&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">FAQs</h2>
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">Do police officers respond to incidents they aren't dispatched to?</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Yes, absolutely. An officer's duty to act extends to any emergency they witness, regardless of their current assignment. In this case, the officers heard the collision and immediately took action because their primary responsibility is public safety. This highlights an officer's constant situational awareness and commitment to responding whenever and wherever they are needed.</p>
<ol start="2">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">What rescue tools do police officers typically carry?</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Patrol officers are equipped with various rescue tools on their police duty belt equipment or in their vehicles to handle emergencies. This often includes a seatbelt cutter, which is crucial for extricating trapped individuals, as well as a window punch to break tempered glass and first aid kits for rendering aid.</p>
<ol start="3">
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<h3 dir="ltr" role="presentation">How do officers manage a chaotic accident scene?</h3>
</li>
</ol>
<p dir="ltr">Accident scene management is a core part of police procedure. The first on scene must rapidly assess threats, request necessary resources like fire and EMS, and begin life-saving efforts. They work on securing the perimeter to prevent further accidents and directing traffic until specialized units like the Traffic Division can take over the investigation.</p>

Acts of Heroism

See the intense bodycam footage as Sarasota PD officers run toward a fiery crash and pull an unconscious driver from a burning car just in time.


Sarasota Police Pull Unconscious Woman from Fiery Car Crash

Bodycam Captures Sarasota PD's Rescue at Fiery Crash Scene

<p dir="ltr">On a quiet Tuesday in a South Phoenix apartment complex, a story of profound loss and hope of survival began with a single phone call. It began with a simple, observant act from a neighbor and ended with a life-saving rescue by the Phoenix Police Department. Officers responding to a welfare check were confronted with a tragic scene, but their swift actions and gentle compassion ensured a newborn baby, found clinging to life, would have a future.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Concerned Call and a Somber Discovery</h2>
<p dir="ltr">On May 14th, a resident near Central Avenue and Illini Street called the police with a simple concern: they hadn't seen or heard from their neighbor, a new mother, for several days. Packages were beginning to pile up outside her door. This single act of community observation, a perfect example of "see something, say something", set in motion a critical police emergency response.</p>
<p dir="ltr">When officers arrived, they looked through an unlocked window and saw the woman motionless on the floor. On a nearby bed, they saw a tiny, emaciated infant. The bodycam footage captures the quiet urgency as an officer says, "The baby's here... Yeah, the baby's here, and the baby is still alive."</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Forced Entry, A Gentle Rescue</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Recognizing the need for immediate access, the officers made the decision to make a forced entry, breaking the door to get inside. The footage then shows an officer approach the infant, softly says "hi," and gently picks the baby up, whispering, "It's gonna be OK." He carefully placed the baby in a stroller and rushed outside to meet the responding Phoenix Fire Department crew for emergency medical care.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The careful handling and soft words spoken to the child are a clear demonstration of the officers' professionalism and compassion.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Bittersweet Outcome and Inter-Agency Collaboration</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The newborn was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, described by police as "severely dehydrated and emaciated." Tragically, the officers' initial discovery was confirmed: the baby's mother had passed away several days prior.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the aftermath, a seamless process of inter-agency collaboration began. The Office of the Medical Examiner started its investigation into the mother's death, while the detective investigation by Phoenix Police proceeded. Most importantly, Child Protective Services (DCS) was brought in to manage the emergency custody of the infant and work with family members.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sergeant Brian Bower later commended the officers' quick thinking and praised the neighbor whose call was the catalyst for the rescue, noting the baby may not have survived without their intervention. The department also shared an uplifting update, confirming that thanks to the life-saving care from first responders and hospital staff, the baby's condition greatly improved and they are expected to make a full recovery.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This bittersweet story is more than just a headline; it's a profound example of how a community and its police department can create hope from tragedy. It highlights the quiet, compassionate work officers do every day, entering unknown situations and protecting the vulnerable.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">These are the moments that define policing, and we are dedicated to sharing them. You can discover more <a href="https://welovepolice.org/tag/life-saving-actions">police stories</a> or learn how <a href="https://welovepolice.org/">We Love Police</a> brings these critical accounts to light.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Source Credits</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Primary Story/Video Source: Official social media post from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1259734545556195&amp;rdid=pkXETvmuPztNRyZr">Phoenix Police Department</a></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Additional Source: <a href="https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/sclinging-to-life-newborn-baby-found-beside-dead-mother-in-phoenix-apartment-police-arizona-bodycam-video-footage-death-investigation-severely-dehydrated-emaciated-medical-examiner-department-of-child-safety">&lsquo;Clinging to life&rsquo;: Newborn baby found beside dead mother in Phoenix apartment, police say</a> - ABC 33/40 News (by Jessica A. Botelho).&nbsp;</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">FAQs</h2>
<h3 dir="ltr">1. What exactly is a police welfare check?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">A welfare check (or wellness check) is a visit by law enforcement to a person's home to verify their safety and well-being. These checks are typically initiated after a request from a friend, family member, or, as in this case, a concerned neighbor who has been unable to make contact with the individual. It is a vital service police provide for the community.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">2. What happens to a child in a situation like this?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">In emergencies where a child is found without a guardian, police work directly with Child Protective Services (DCS) or a similar state agency. Department of Child Safety takes emergency custody of the child to ensure their immediate safety and medical needs are met. They then work to identify and locate family members who may be able to provide care, making the child's long-term well-being the highest priority.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">3. When are police authorized to make a forced entry?&nbsp;</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Police can make a forced entry into a home without a warrant under specific, urgent circumstances known as "exigent circumstances." A prime example is when they have a reasonable belief that someone inside is in immediate danger of harm or death, such as during a welfare check where a person is unresponsive and a vulnerable child is present. This police procedure allows them to act immediately to save a life.</p>

After days alone, a baby is rescued by Arizona police. A powerful story of community partnership, quick thinking, and protecting the vulnerable.


Phoenix Police Welfare Check Leads to Miraculous Infant Rescue

A Bittersweet Story: Phoenix Police Find Baby Clinging to Life

<p dir="ltr">During the devastating Hurricane Helene flooding in Tennessee, a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer was pulled from rising water, and then immediately helped carry an injured man to safety.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Trooper Hannah Smathers had just finished a crash report when she was dispatched to check flood-prone Spivey Mountain Road. While conditions seemed manageable at first, the Hurricane Helene flash flood waters began to rise rapidly.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;The creek had started rising and was quickly moving onto the roadway.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Smathers had just helped two pedestrians out of the area and offered aid to a stranded driver when she found herself surrounded by floodwater.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;There was no way forward and no way back. I called it in and waited.&rdquo;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Emergency Response Team Pulls Her to Safety</h2>
<p dir="ltr">A Hurricane Helene search and rescue team responded quickly. Smathers removed her vest and duty belt as they tossed her a rope and life jacket.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;I had to take off my vest, my belt&mdash;everything. They threw me a lifejacket and a rope. But there was no harness. If I let go of that rope, I was going with the water.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;The second I stepped away from my car, my feet were swept out from under me. I went underwater, but I held onto the rope. That was my only chance.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">According to Jason Pack, a retired FBI special agent and now communications director for the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Smathers didn&rsquo;t pause and went right back to work the moment she was safe.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;She radioed in, waited for help, and once she was safe, she went right back to work,&rdquo; Pack shared.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Back on Duty: Moments After Rescue</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Soaked and still covered in mud, Smathers quickly returned to duty. A nearby driver had broken his ankle. She helped carry him to safety.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Once I got out, I saw another driver had broken his ankle, so I helped carry him to safety too.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">She remained on shift for 18 hours, despite the trauma and exhaustion.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Because it's what we do.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;I know sometimes it sounds clich&eacute; when people say they just want to help others,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;But that&rsquo;s really what this job is about. Helping people. Making sure they&rsquo;re safe. That&rsquo;s all I was trying to do that day.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Honoring a Trooper&rsquo;s Dedication</h2>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Trooper Smathers showed exactly what we expect from the Highway Patrol troopers &ndash; calm under pressure and a heart for service,&rdquo; said Col. Matt Perry.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;She didn&rsquo;t ask for attention. She just got the job done.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;She showed courage, humility, and heart,&rdquo; added Commissioner Jeff Long. &ldquo;Whether in a flood, a crash scene, or a routine patrol, our troopers are out there every day making Tennessee safer.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding and claimed over 230 lives across six states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Story That Speaks for Thousands</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Trooper Smathers&rsquo; actions remind us that life-saving actions aren&rsquo;t always about the spotlight; sometimes, they&rsquo;re about quiet resolve and relentless service.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If this story moved you, we invite you to read more<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/category/acts-of-heroism"> Acts of Heroism</a> stories of officers around the country. Learn about the mission behind We Love Police, or head to the <a href="https://welovepolice.org/stories">Stories page</a> to discover more uplifting police stories.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">WATCH: Hero cop rescued from Hurricane Helene flash flood, immediately helps injured man - <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/watch-hero-cop-rescued-hurricane-helene-flash-flood-immediately-helps-injured-man-what-we-do">Fox News</a> (by Stepheny Price)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-02d71cf5-7fff-71d8-8e88-cd1e6d562f8a">Image Source - <a href="https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2025/03/1200/675/hero-cop-rescued-from-hurricane-helene-flood-waters.png?ve=1&amp;tl=1">Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security</a> (via Fox News)</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>

After Hurricane Helene flooding, a Tennessee trooper was rescued, then helped save an injured man. A true story of courage and duty.

Hero Trooper Rescued from Floodwaters, Then Saves Injured Man

<p dir="ltr">A powerful example of rapid police response and neighborly teamwork played out in Saratoga Springs, New York, when a 22-year-old horse named Sly fell through the ice on a local pond. Bodycam footage from the Saratoga Springs Police Department shows the dramatic rescue, where officers and neighbors worked together to pull the 1,300-pound quarter horse from the freezing water.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The emergency police response began when Officer Kyle Clinton arrived first on the scene, joining Sly&rsquo;s owner, Ali Ernst, who had tried to keep Sly&rsquo;s head above water. Clinton and others&mdash;including more officers, neighbors, and family, worked in unison, calling out, &ldquo;One, two three, pull!&rdquo; and &ldquo;C&rsquo;mon, baby. We got ya!&rdquo; as they struggled to free the horse.</p>
<p dir="ltr">"I was losing the battle to keep him above water alone," Ernst said. "I threw all the rope in the hole and just started pulling it back in sheer hopes that I caught a hind leg, and I did, and we all just started to pull."</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Crisis Management in Law Enforcement and Community</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The successful icy pond rescue was only possible through swift action and crisis management in law enforcement. The emergency response police didn&rsquo;t hesitate, embodying the best of crisis management police principles by coordinating with neighbors and responding quickly to the emergency.</p>
<p dir="ltr">A group of nine, including officers from the Saratoga Springs Police and local community members, worked together as an emergency response team police unit. Their swift police response ensured that Sly, who was hypothermic, was freed within minutes and soon able to stand on his own.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After the animal rescue police succeeded, Sly was taken to Rood &amp; Riddle Equine Hospital for recovery, where his owner works as a technician. Thanks to the animal rescue New York community, Sly made a full recovery and returned home just days later.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why These Animal Rescue Stories Matter</h2>
<p dir="ltr">This story is a reminder that heroes wear many uniforms. Whether it&rsquo;s New York police, animal control, or caring neighbors, responding to emergencies with teamwork and heart can save lives&mdash;animal and human alike.</p>
<p dir="ltr">To discover more uplifting stories of police, explore our<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/category/acts-of-heroism"> Acts of Heroism</a> page. For more about the values guiding first responders, visit our <a href="https://welovepolice.org/education">Education page</a>.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">New York police save horse from icy pond in dramatic rescue - <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/see-it-new-york-police-save-horse-icy-pond-dramatic-rescue">Fox News </a>(by Louis Casiano)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Image Source - Saratoga Springs Police via AP</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Video Source - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOGilKvxOJE">WKYC Channel 3</a></p>
</li>
</ul>

A horse trapped in an icy New York pond is saved by police and neighbors, see how rapid emergency response made all the difference.

Police and Neighbors Rescue Horse From Icy Pond in New York

<h2 dir="ltr">Kindness Caught on Camera in Georgetown, KY</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest mark. That&rsquo;s exactly what happened in Georgetown, Kentucky, when a routine patrol turned into a moment that touched thousands. A 37-second video clip captured Georgetown PD Officer Rodney Johnson helping a woman in a wheelchair struggling to get home along Paris Pike.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He didn&rsquo;t know anyone was watching. But someone in the community recorded the moment, and this random act of kindness quickly turned into a viral police video shared widely across Facebook and local news.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Simple Act That Inspired Many</h2>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;It was just a normal routine patrol,&rdquo; Officer Johnson explained. &ldquo;I was driving on Paris Pike and I noticed traffic was backing.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The cause? A woman in a wheelchair navigating a busy street alone.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Without hesitation, Johnson parked his cruiser, turned on his lights and began wheeling her down the street,&rdquo; reported FOX 56.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Traffic paused as he gently pushed her to safety. Then he returned to his cruiser and continued his shift, never expecting the praise or attention that followed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;It was just instinct. I mean, that&rsquo;s what we&rsquo;re here for, to help people,&rdquo; Johnson said. &ldquo;And when I pulled over, I got behind her and just pushed her home. And unbeknownst to me, some lady was recording and I had no idea.&rdquo;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Community Response: Uplifting a Police Story</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The footage was sent to the Georgetown KY Police Department, who proudly shared it on social media. The public&rsquo;s reaction was swift and heartfelt.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Officer Johnson&rsquo;s actions are a perfect example of what it means to go above and beyond,&rdquo; the department wrote. &ldquo;Thank you to the community member who captured this moment, and thank you to all our officers who show kindness and dedication every day.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">The post was met with dozens of supportive comments:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;God bless the people that believe in kindness.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;This is awesome. We do have some of the most compassionate officers and community members.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">This wasn&rsquo;t just an act of kindness&mdash;it was one of those<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/category/acts-of-kindness"> everyday acts of kindness</a> that remind us who our officers truly are.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Humble Heroism Behind the Badge</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Johnson later reflected on the moment with humility and grace.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;We&rsquo;re out here doing a job, you know, trying to help people as much as we can, and then you know, to have that much love and respect to come from the public saying that. It&rsquo;s very humbling,&rdquo; said Johnson.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;That&rsquo;s what we do. We serve and protect the community. We help people that need to be helped and sometimes when people can&rsquo;t help themselves, we step in and we provide that help that they need.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">He lives by the motto:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Do the right thing even when no one is watching.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">That mindset turned this moment into a powerful<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/category/inspirational-stories"> acts of kindness story</a>, reminding us how impactful simple acts of kindness can be when done with heart.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why These Stories Matter</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Not all acts of kindness make the news. But this one&mdash;shared by a neighbor who simply wanted to spotlight the good&mdash;reminds us that<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/category/community-involvement"> compassion still thrives in uniform</a>. Officer Johnson&rsquo;s action embodies what it means to be part of a community, not just to patrol it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">These deeds of kindness, these small acts of kindness shown by officers every day, deserve to be seen, shared, and celebrated.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you or a loved one is a police officer, know that your work matters. And if you ever need someone to talk to, We Love Police is here with trusted support options and connection to chaplain services.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Want to See More?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Visit our<a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/"> </a><a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/stories">Stories Page</a> to discover more stories of police courage and compassion. Have a story to share? <a href="https://www.welovepolice.org/contact">Contact us</a>, we&rsquo;d love to hear how officers are making a difference in your community.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://fox56news.com/news/local/georgetown-police-officer-caught-in-a-random-act-of-kindness/">Georgetown police officer helps woman in wheelchair during patrol</a> - FOX 56 (by Dustin Massengill)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.lex18.com/news/georgetown-police-officers-act-of-kindness-captured-on-video">Georgetown officer&rsquo;s good deed goes viral</a> - LEX 18</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Image Source - FOX 56&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Video Source -&nbsp; LEX 18</p>
</li>
</ul>

Acts of Kindness

A Georgetown KY police officer's act of kindness went viral after he helped a woman in a wheelchair. It’s a story worth watching and sharing.

Officer’s Kindness in Georgetown Goes Viral and Warms Hearts

<p dir="ltr">A man experiencing a mental health crisis on Seattle&rsquo;s Ship Canal Bridge was safely brought to help last Thursday, thanks to the calm response from the Seattle Police, their Hostage Negotiation Team, and the Washington State Patrol.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Officers arrived around 3:45 p.m. after reports came in of a man in distress. Several lanes on I-5 were shut down while officers worked to de-escalate the situation safely.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">An Hour of Patience, Compassion, and Listening</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Sergeant David Sullivan, a longtime member of the Seattle Police Department, stood near the edge of the bridge with the man, trying to build trust during the tense hour.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;This is a very professional person; he is at the VP level in his organization,&rdquo; Sergeant Sullivan said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s just suffering from a long-term behavioral health condition that he has hidden because of the stigma. It&rsquo;s just really sad.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">As they talked, Sgt. Sullivan told the man about treatment options, including the new King County Crisis Center in Kirkland, which offers inpatient crisis stabilization services.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;This model is the future,&rdquo; Sullivan said. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a lot more respectful of behavioral conditions than sending someone to the ER. They are focused on behavioral health. This model has worked in other parts of the country.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sgt. Sullivan, who has already referred two people to the center that week, remained focused on giving the man options and hope.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Safe Resolution, Warm Blanket, Real Connection</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Eventually, the man climbed back over the guardrail. At that point, Sergeant James Kim, who oversees SPD&rsquo;s Hostage Negotiation Team, stepped in.</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;After he climbed over [the guardrail], I gave him a blanket to get warm, and we just talked,&rdquo; Kim said. &ldquo;We talked about our kids; this was somebody I could talk to. It&rsquo;s hard.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Kim later added that everyone on the scene, from Washington State Patrol to Seattle Police and the Washington Department of Transportation, treated the man with compassion and care.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In an email to SPD, WSP Captain Ron Mead wrote:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;It goes without saying that a life no doubt was saved tonight by the great work of everyone involved, and my particular thanks to Trooper Jaramillo and SPD Sgt. Sullivan and Kim. Your efforts made a difference, and I&rsquo;m hopeful that [the man in crisis] gets the help he desperately needs. The public we all serve are better because of the great partnerships between the WSP and SPD leading to great outcomes like this and exceptional public servants like each of you!&rdquo;</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">A Career Defined by Service</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Though Sgt. Sullivan is humble about his actions, his dedication has not gone unnoticed. He will receive the Medal of Honor from the Seattle Police Foundation later this month.</p>
<p dir="ltr">That recognition follows his work in November 2024, when he chased down and apprehended a man suspected of stabbing 10 people in Seattle&rsquo;s Chinatown-International District over two days. His quick action in that case may have prevented further harm and was widely praised.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Real People Behind the Uniform</h2>
<p dir="ltr">This recent rescue on the Ship Canal Bridge wasn&rsquo;t about tactics or force, it was about patience, trust, and knowing when to simply listen. It&rsquo;s the kind of outcome that shows what police can do when they&rsquo;re trained and supported in responding to mental health situations with care.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 24/7, free, and confidential.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.kiro7.com/unavailable-location/">https://www.kiro7.com/</a></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-rescue-man-crisis-ship-201609700.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM4SFasBzxksXNPgO-W8jQJ60J6VzuCFX7qwCR_qH_SNh3-fXA12Tag5gacwcuM93iPnJxFy7NwcTqWY1cQ_adSdReuvL2P9_wMsbsgnu91i5K4lOz_xrL9MIf4NQhxDIFf3Ek-cwT33RpJbHxrSbhI9nX51ECKpiIxsdNCZjucv">https://www.yahoo.com/news/police-rescue-man-crisis-ship-201609700.html?guccounter=1&amp;guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&amp;guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAM4SFasBzxksXNPgO-W8jQJ60J6VzuCFX7qwCR_qH_SNh3-fXA12Tag5gacwcuM93iPnJxFy7NwcTqWY1cQ_adSdReuvL2P9_wMsbsgnu91i5K4lOz_xrL9MIf4NQhxDIFf3Ek-cwT33RpJbHxrSbhI9nX51ECKpiIxsdNCZjucv</a>&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2025/03/14/multi-agency-effort-rescues-man-from-ship-canal-bridge-thursday/">https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2025/03/14/multi-agency-effort-rescues-man-from-ship-canal-bridge-thursday/</a></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/seattle-police-and-washington-state-patrol-talk-man-down-from-ship-canal-bridge/article_57e9d436-0125-11f0-8653-ef425bcd077d.html">https://www.bigcountrynewsconnection.com/local/seattle-police-and-washington-state-patrol-talk-man-down-from-ship-canal-bridge/article_57e9d436-0125-11f0-8653-ef425bcd077d.html</a></p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-05374cf8-7fff-af30-553c-13199b503782">Image Source:&nbsp;<a href="https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2025/03/14/multi-agency-effort-rescues-man-from-ship-canal-bridge-thursday/">https://spdblotter.seattle.gov/2025/03/14/multi-agency-effort-rescues-man-from-ship-canal-bridge-thursday/</a></strong></p>
</li>
</ul>

A peaceful outcome on the Ship Canal Bridge, led by calm officers and a multi-agency response from SPD and WSP.

Seattle Police Help Rescue Man in Crisis on I-5 Bridge

<p dir="ltr">An 86-year-old man, reported missing from his home in Plainville, Massachusetts, was found safe Thursday night after a quick and coordinated search and rescue operation. The Plainville Police Department worked with several local and regional partners to find the man before the cold weather became dangerous.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He had last been seen around 7:00 p.m., and was reported missing at 8:20 p.m. With temperatures around 36 degrees and concern for his safety growing, officers didn&rsquo;t hesitate.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Search Teams, Drones, and K-9 Units Deployed</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Police quickly requested help from the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council (METRO-LEC), a network of 46 departments that supports cities and towns like Plainville MA in situations like this. Multiple teams were sent in, including:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Drone units for aerial surveillance</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">K-9 teams to help on the ground</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A search and rescue crew</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tactical bicycle officers and investigative units</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">The Massachusetts State Police Department responded as well, including the MSP Air Wing. The Plainville Fire Department was also on scene to provide medical support.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This joint effort shows how law enforcement agencies working together can move fast and effectively during emergencies.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Missing Man Located in 17 Minutes</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Three drones launched and began scanning over two miles of wooded terrain near power lines in Plainville, Massachusetts. At 9:47 p.m., just 17 minutes after drone deployment, the missing old man was found alive in the woods.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Search-and-rescue teams and paramedics reached him quickly and gave a medical evaluation before taking him to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was reported to be in stable condition.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Chief Commends Fast and Focused Response</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In a statement after the operation, Plainville Police Chief James Floyd said:</p>
<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;Tonight&rsquo;s successful rescue is a testament to the power of collaboration, advanced technology, and the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement and emergency response teams. The ability to deploy specialized units so quickly made all the difference in reuniting this individual with his loved ones. We sincerely thank the public for their support and commend all personnel involved for a job well done.&rdquo;</p>
<p dir="ltr">This case joins the many examples of missing persons who were found thanks to organized, timely law enforcement response.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Quiet but Life-Saving Police Work</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The Plainville Police Department, Massachusetts State Police Dept, METRO-LEC, and Plainville Fire Department showed how vital inter-agency teamwork is. It&rsquo;s not every day that stories about missing persons who were found alive make the headlines, but when they do, they remind us of the quiet, important work happening behind the scenes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This rescue didn&rsquo;t just depend on technology, it relied on trained officers, solid communication, and departments working side-by-side. It&rsquo;s one of those moments that highlights what&rsquo;s possible when law enforcement agencies work together with a clear goal.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://turnto10.com/news/local/plainville-police-rescue-an-86-year-old-man-reported-missing">Plainville police rescue an 86-year-old man reported missing</a> - WJAR (by NBC 10 News)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.police1.com/drones/drones-aid-in-rescue-of-86-year-old-man-locating-him-in-17-minutes">Drones aid in rescue of 86-year-old man, locating him in 17 minutes</a> - Police1 (by Heather Morrison)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.newportdispatch.com/2025/03/14/plainville-police-rescue-missing-86-year-old-man-in-woods/">Plainville police rescue missing 86-year-old man in woods</a> - Newport Dispatch (by Daniel Duric)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://hoodline.com/2025/03/missing-86-year-old-massachusetts-man-rescued-by-drone-technology-in-17-minutes/">Missing 86-Year-Old Massachusetts Man Rescued by Drone Technology in 17 Minutes</a> - Hoodline (by Mike Chen)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong id="docs-internal-guid-861f66cf-7fff-5617-b696-6a8633a6e439"><a href="https://lexipol.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2c7987a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1024x577+0+0/resize/1000x563!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fk1-prod-lexipol.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fda%2F4f%2Fdeeab9084a20aa436b81aff94a94%2F476063980-1069513565218678-2757614279964809862-n.jpg">Image source</a> </strong>- Police1</p>
</li>
</ul>

Fast response and drone tech helped Plainville MA police locate a missing old man found in the woods on a cold night.

Police Rescue Missing Elderly Man Using Drone in Plainville

<p id="NWFHV2Z5H5DRVFP3Z5ANDOXOCE" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">TARRANT, Alabama - Helen Johnson stared in amazement at the piles of food accumulating in her small Tarrant apartment on Wednesday.</p>
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<p id="WQHKN5GLVBBSRBS3L34H6FES3Y" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">"The last time I saw my house this full, I was 12-years-old and staying with my grandmother,'' said the 47-year-old mother and grandmother. "I've been crying all day."</p>
<p class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">On Wednesday, Tarrant police delivered two truckloads of groceries to the woman, who on Saturday was&nbsp;<a href="http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/12/im_not_a_good_thief_says_woman.html">caught stealing five eggs from the nearby Dollar General</a>. Instead of arresting Johnson, Tarrant Police Officer William Stacy bought her a carton of eggs and sent her home with the promise to never shoplift again.</p>
<p id="7IO4EMAWJFFM3KXTO5YUCVPN2I" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">That in itself, Johnson said, was a blessing. But those blessings now seem to have taken on a life of their own. Tarrant police said they've received calls from across the United States and world since hearing of Johnson's plight. People have offered food, money and clothing.</p>
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<p id="BSONJ5HXTBA6JHY5NJ5UITMQ44" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">It's been so overwhelming, said Tarrant Police Chief Dennis Reno, he had to bring in a second police dispatcher to handle the volume of calls. Police officials today also set up a fund at People's First Federal Credit Union on Ford Avenue in Tarrant to benefit the Johnson family.</p>
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<p id="ZW7Z2EZRVVEUZMZR6G4DPGMTNQ" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">"It's growing and growing and growing,'' Reno said. " A guy called me from New York and just broke down. He said for two months he's been angry with police, and he said this has totally changed his mind."</p>
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<p id="POTZULHNXNDTBPRCPXCAOXZLUM" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">A food bank from Memphis is set to arrive in Tarrant this evening. "This woman's getting plenty of food,'' the chief said. "She shouldn't be hungry for a while."</p>
<p id="QENO564ECVHCDPWGFHHLHKW2P4" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">What a difference a week makes. Johnson's two daughters, a niece and two grandchildren, ages 1 and 3, live with her in their Tarrant home. The kids' mother gets a welfare check - $120 a month - but that check was lost in the mail. Johnson herself gets a disability check, which is set to come this week.</p>
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<p id="A3AXQOUGJRHD3L4RNY4DD3OR6E" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">By Saturday, the family had gone two days without food. Johnson went to Dollar General on Pinson Valley Parkway with $1.25 and thought that would be enough to buy a carton of eggs. When she realized she was 50 cents plus tax short, she stuffed five eggs in her pocket out of desperation.</p>
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<p id="EQHBUYDK3FE2HNYPNE52BIASBE" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">She didn't get far.&nbsp; "Of course when I put them in my jacket pocket they broke,'' Johnson said in an earlier interview. "I'm not a good thief at all."</p>
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<p id="FYZ2HLUNWFFNLJHFILA7USZHEU" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">A store worker stopped Johnson and asked her if she had taken the eggs. She said she did, and they said they had already called the police.</p>
<p id="YM5JQREFZFASFG2AWADQ4NWCPE" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">By the time she got to the door, Tarrant police Officer William Stacy was there, and told her to stay put. The officer said he'd already talked to Dollar General officials and they said they weren't going to press charges.</p>
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<p id="P6YTQGY53JD55CEBBPQWLTRN5A" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Johnson didn't know that, and said she was waiting for him to bring out the handcuffs. Instead, he went into the store and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/12/police_officer_buys_eggs_for_w.html#incart_river">came back out with a carton of eggs</a>. "She started crying, she got very emotional and was very apologetic,'' Stacy said. "She tried to give me the money she had on her, $1.25."</p>
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<p id="GPNUBPNSOZC4DI3PLQCAH7V3HA" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Johnson said she was stunned. "I was like, 'Oh my God, thank you Jesus for this man,''' she said. "He is my hero."</p>
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<p id="7OMU2UDWHZE77OOBRBZ57UKLCQ" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Stacy said he can remember times growing up when his mother had trouble finding ways to feed him and his sister. He had been on a call to Johnson's house once before, and had gotten a glimpse of the living conditions. The furnishings are sparse, and the family sleeps on mattresses on the floor.</p>
<p id="TPUPJ4QUDVECNJ5FWG3CWDO6X4" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">The story she told me Saturday matched up with what I had seen when I was there,'' he said. "I felt like it was the right thing to do. I didn't want to pass judgment on her."</p>
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<p id="63NO7IQQXJHXRMIH5ME2Q45VX4" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">She asked how she could repay him, and he told her to not shoplift again. "Sometimes the best route is to not arrest,'' Stacy said. "I hope she won't do it again. I pray she doesn't, and I don't think she will."</p>
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<p id="724HQXW2LFBCXANG275NMC476Y" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Johnson asked Stacy if she could hug him, and he said yes. Unbeknownst to both of them, a man named Robert "Dollar" Tripp filmed the scene on his cell phone and later posted it on his Facebook with the hashtag "feelgoodstoryoftheday."</p>
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<p id="R4UL63ED6BBUBKVKV3XP2PKEPM" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">The story went viral. On Tuesday, Tarrant police showed up at her home. "I was shook and so scared," she said. "I thought it was about the eggs. My grandbaby said, 'Are you going to jail?' and I said I hoped not."</p>
<p id="QQMMMNY5CZAHBG5VJOX6PLBQV4" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Instead, Tarrant police took Johnson to headquarters, where they signed her up for the annual Tarrant Toy Drive, and also are helping to coordinate the offers of food and clothing also pouring in, said Tarrant police Sgt. Larry Rice.</p>
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<p id="6SLEQLUFCBCRPONHBXGL4MIXTI" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">On Wednesday, Stacy and Officer Jay Jenkins took two loads of food to Johnson's apartment. She couldn't stop crying, and she couldn't stop hugging Stacy. "I just busted out and started hollering,'' Johnson said of all the food delivered to her home. "I was yelling so loud. I would have been a good cheerleader."</p>
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<p id="MZWRTA7L3RHQ7JCPGDA5BRWUEQ" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">With help from a nearby church, Johnson spent much of Wednesday reorganizing her kitchen cabinets to make room for all the food. The family, who by Tuesday was down to one slice of bread, had their pick of what to eat.</p>
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<p id="TVYH2IYA3BHBJO75FTIO7OK7YM" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">So what did they eat? "Cereal,'' she said. "That's our favorite."</p>
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<p id="ZUZWYLI6RZAHRGXTOGIXU6G5QM" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Her grandchildren were also happy to see the officers at their apartment. "You back?" said 3-year-old Tamarose, as she grabbed various cans of food to show the family.</p>
<p id="RL55BRSNXJHATKXST4JS7X63CQ" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Asked what she would do if someone else in need asked her for a slice of bread, she said, "I would give them the whole loaf. And then I would give them Officer Stacy's number."</p>
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<p id="U7UTPZWOTBFELL2J7MISL3EWRI" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Johnson said her life is forever changed because of the actions of Stacy and the Tarrant Police Department. "My heart,'' she said, "is wide open right now."</p>
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<p id="UNBE74G4FNGKFOSKT7G35GVIR4" class="article__paragraph article__paragraph--left">Anyone who wants to make a donation to Johnson can do so at People's First Federal Credit Union. Checks should be made payable to the Tarrant Police Charity Fund c/o the Johnson Family. Checks can be mailed to the bank at 1140 Ford Avenue, Tarrant, Alabama 35217.</p>
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