Even though police officers are currently under fire after what happened to George Floyd and many others, these brave policemen still try to do their best to do a great job in keeping the peace and order of the community. One of the best examples happened in Coral Springs, Florida.
In a three-car-accident, things can get more complicated when there are children involved. Nobody wants to experience being in a car accident. It can be traumatizing, both for adults and children. Thankfully, police officers did not only swear to serve and protect, but they were also taught and learned how to empathize.
While Janet Balestriero was driving home after her doctors’ appointment, a car crash happened. She grew up in Palm Springs but is now living in Pompano Beach. The accident she was in involved two more vehicles. Car accidents involving three cars can be tragic in most cases, but luckily this time, it wasn’t as serious as it might sound.
It didn’t take long for the intersection of University Drive and Riverside Drive to be flooded with police officers. But amid the chaos, Janet caught something heartwarming. She decided to capture it using her camera because this moment does not happen all the time. It was a memory to be cherished forever.
In the photo, a police officer can be seen patiently taking care of a little boy. He was probably nervous after being in an accident. It was obvious that the little boy was shaken. But the policeman was just right there, supporting him. He took the kids’ hand and led him to the street curb. They both sat while the officer calmly talked to him.
To take his mind off this traumatic incident, the officer asked him about his favorite Disney character. They also played with the kids’ firetruck toy. Soon enough, the little boy started to feel a lot better. He began to smile and interact while speaking to the policeman.
Janet shared it on the Coral Springs Police Department Facebook page. Along with the photo she said that “it was an act of kindness.” She added, “Car Accidents can be scary… especially when it’s your first. I found myself smiling at that scene wondering if anyone else even noticed this Officer’s kindness.”
Thousands of people online noticed the photo after it was posted on Facebook. In fact, it was shared close to six hundred times. Hundreds of people also commented on this wonderful interaction. One of the comments commended the police officer for a job well done. The commenter wrote: “Thank you officer for your act of kindness, although you probably thought nothing of it. Just calming and reassuring a little boy! A compassionate heart you have sir!”
The officer in this heartwarming picture is Brian Dougherty. Also, the Coral Springs Police Department confirmed that it was indeed Brian Dougherty in the post. He has been with the department since 2016. Also, he is a member of the departments’ SWAT team!
Clyde Perry, the Coral Springs Police Chief said, “[We’re] so proud of our officers. Things like this happen often, but are rarely reported on.”
Everyone is glad that nobody got hurt during the accident that day. And seeing a police officer went above and beyond to make this innocent child feel a lot better after having experienced such a traumatic accident.
