Help couldn’t have come too soon for this Prattville, Alabama, couple.
Erica and Douglas Melton’s van broke down on a hot, humid afternoon last week, while they were traveling through an intersection. That’s bad enough, but the situation was all the more dire because Douglas is a quadriplegic and had to remain in his wheelchair while his wife flagged down help.
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Erica miraculously managed to get the attention of Sgt. T.R. Hope. The 17-year veteran of the Prattville Police Department and another officer pushed the van out of the intersection and remained at the scene until a tow truck arrived. But the officers didn’t just stand by – they went above and beyond the call of duty, ensuring that the couple was comfortable and well hydrated.
What’s more, a number of Good Samaritans also stopped to offer food and water while the couple waited.
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In fact, Erica was so moved when she witnessed the scene that she snapped a photo and shared it on Facebook. She wrote, “We are truly blessed to have such good people among us to come to our aid when we are in need.”
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“This showed me unity in our community and we need more of it,” she added before thanking a whole host of individuals who chipped in during their time of crisis, including employees at a local automotive company, the tow truck driver, and the driver who transported them safely back home.
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Sgt. Hope was quick to dismiss the praise, insisting he was simply the one who answered the call and that any other officer would have done the same thing. Erica, however, sees things differently, saying he showed a level of compassion far beyond his job description.
“He was so gentle and nice,”Erica said. “He didn’t have to do it.â€
Her photo and story have gone viral in the days since her post and she’s glad to help spread the word about this good deed. One person even pointed out that Sgt. Hope’s actions “show the true side of the majority of police during their daily [duties].”
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Share to spread the word about Sgt. Hope’s incredible compassion!
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