Kind officer lends a helping hand to dad due in court when they wouldn't allow his toddler inside

It is amazing to see a compassionate stranger ready to help someone in need. In Orem, Utah, a father found himself in a conundrum while dealing with a traffic ticket at the Utah County courthouse. Jose Moncayo and his two-year-old daughter were waiting at the courthouse and when the dad was beckoned inside, he was at a loss when they wouldn't allow his child inside. Children are not allowed in the court room and the toddler's father didn't know what to do. That's when Officer Kevin Norris of the Orem Police Department entered the scene.

The cop had already been watching the father-daughter duo while waiting to give his testimony and knew he wanted to help immediately. As a father himself, he knows the struggles of parenthood, so he graciously and almost immediately volunteered to babysit Abi. While her father was away, Officer Norris went the extra mile and played cartoons on his phone till Abi finally settled down and then comfortably rested her head against him. She felt safe with him and when her dad finally emerged from the courtroom, he was touched to see the heartwarming sight.

"You can tell that Officer Norris is a father first and police officer second!" Orem Police Department wrote on Facebook, alongside a video capturing the whole incident. "You'll see from the court surveillance video that the little girl took to Officer Norris as he walked her around, getting drinks of water and treats from the Deputies at the front door," they added of his thoughtfulness.

Netizens responded to the now-viral video in an equally heartening way, with people like Mark Bird writing, "Having been a cop in London for nearly 28 years, this is what we do. Look after people in any circumstances. This officer is a great example of policing. You put your own humanity and experiences first whatever the situation. It's not all about the bad guy it's about protecting the innocent, helping those in need and just being there to help. You are to tell children to run to the police if they are scared, worried, frightened. The people on here being negative should hope that if their child ever needs help they'd run straight to someone like this man. A salute to him from me as a cop to another." 

Robyn Eley added, "Thank you, officer. As a busy parent who hopes to never be in this situation. Knowing officers are willing to help and not judge the parent is amazing and calming to me. Your simple act of kindness can show the softer, understanding side of the police. Who are already fighting negative stereotypes." The video has received over 3.2 million views since it was posted, with over 83,000 likes.

The officer, a father-of-two, didn't think twice to help. "We've been there," he told Inside Edition. While he's grateful that the incident focussed on how law enforcement is there to do their job and do it well, he did admit that he didn't really enjoy much of the attention. "I'm thankful it shined a positive light on law enforcement," the cop of nine years told the outlet back in 2016. "I just wish it wasn't shining on me."