The police officer had received a call to check up on the driver of a vehicle that had been sitting on the side of the road for quite some time.
It is hard to know what others are going through behind their vibrant smiles. So, we should treat others with kindness and compassion because we never know how a stranger's tiniest bit of affection can transform someone's day or entire life. One such example was captured on the bodycam of a deputy officer from the Macomb County Sheriff's Department in Michigan. Two deputies from the department responded to the report of a suspicious vehicle on one side of the road, per the reports of ABC 7 Detroit.
But when the deputies arrived, they found a driver going through a difficult phase in his life. "Is there anything I can do to help you," Macomb County Deputy Thorne asked the man named Jake. "I could use a hug," the driver responded. His wish was granted without any delay, as the young man received a warm hug and a few words of encouragement from the deputy. The deputies even offered to help him with any resources. The driver revealed he was going through some personal issues when he decided to park his car on the snowy roadside.
A passerby noticed him and thought Jake might have passed out and ended up calling the police. But the young man just had his head down and was crying due to a bad day. Sure enough, it is something we all can relate to at some level. Along with Deputy Thorne, Deputy Parisek stayed with the young man until they ensured it was okay for him to leave. Jake assured them that he was not suicidal and he did not want to hurt himself. The deputies left him after comforting him for about 20 minutes.
The body cam video was posted on the official Facebook page of the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, where they attached a long and thoughtful caption with it as well. "Deputy Thorne and Deputy Parisek, both military veterans, sat with Jake and exchanged some stories, helpful remedies, encouragement and even a laugh at the end. Deputy Thorne provided him with a few resources, including his contact information, to help him get through the times when he was feeling overwhelmed. The two exchanged one last hug before going their separate ways," the caption read.
"Please remember that we are all human. We all have good days, bad days and days that we feel we might not make it through. But you can. Never be afraid to reach out and make that phone call to hear a helpful voice on the other end," the post added. Since the video was circulated on several social media platforms, people on the internet had overwhelming emotional responses to the video. Many people praised the officer for being compassionate to the other fellow when he needed it the most and treated him with kindness.
Lisa Hamilton shared a similar story in the Facebook comment that read, "I lost my 34-year-old son 7- 19 -2019 in a motorcycle accident. Man pulled out in front of him he was just taking a little simple ride before he had to go to work worst day of my life. I feel like I'm in this world all alone I was at the gas station a couple of weeks ago and the young man said you look like you need a hug and I looked at him and said that would be nice people don't know what I go through everyday they don't know my story. I miss my son so very much. God knows I'd give my life for him to be here."
Kevin Schalm wrote, "I'm a bail agent & this hits home hard! Sometimes, all someone needs is an ear/hug. This world is so quick to judge. If only more stopped to listen. Great job!" Katie Katie quipped, "Thank you so much for doing that. Some of us live alone and hugs aren't around or available. Sometimes friends don't understand so we stay silent. Times are really tough right now for many." Samantha H. Baker noted, "Another reason why we have the best Sheriff's Department. It takes a lot of care and compassion to help somebody. Both of you saved his life. I'm proud to be a citizen of Macomb County and Macomb Township. Thank you for everything that your department does to keep all of us safe."