2 In Blue From Hillsborough Co. Get Teary-Eyed After Touching Gesture From Waitress

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL – There is a lingering, sad sense of loss and confusion for citizens after the recent wave of attacks on police throughout the nation. But for the actual officers and employees of law enforcement agencies, the sadness is magnified and the seeming disdain -- which, as of late, often turns deadly -- can feel personal.

But two with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Monday experienced gratitude and appreciation at a local pizza joint. And they felt "safe."

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office shared the story on its Facebook page this morning, and we are sharing it with you. Best told in the worker's own words ...

"My husband and I went to our local pizza place for dinner after work on Tuesday 7/19/16. We each made sure we removed our work IDs so as to not be recognized as law enforcement personnel, given our current community climate.

"My husband noticed our waitress's 'Blue Lives Matter' shirt and complimented her on it, and quietly thanked her for her support. I thanked her, as well, and I got a little misty-eyed, as the past couple weeks have been very emotional for our entire nation.

"As we continued with dinner, our waitress brought us a duplicate pizza to what we had ordered, claiming it had accidentally been duplicated. A short while later, after asking for our bill, our waitress brought us the ticket as seen in the attached photo.

"After hugs and thanks and more misty eyes, we were sent away with full bellies and plenty to go. We had gone in to sit down to dinner being somewhat on-guard, and left feeling as if we'd been cared for in a safe haven.

"Our supporters may number less these days, but the size of their hearts make up for any deficit otherwise."

Do the supporters "number less"? We think not. To see additional heartwarming and unique shows of appreciation throughout our entire region, see: Tampa Bay Area Residents Shower Local Law Enforcement Agencies With Renewed Support.

Also see:

• Coffee With A Cop: Enjoy Casual Meet-and-Greet With Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Deputies
• Interested In Law Enforcement Career In Hillsborough County?

--Image and info courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on Facebook