Officer's Visit with Awestruck Boy Earns Praise

»Want more news? Subscribe to the Annapolis Patch email newsletter.

An Annapolis Police officer who spent time showing a little boy around his patrol car – complete with running the emergency lights – earned praise from some bystanders Thursday.

The unnamed customer was at the McDonald’s on West Street when he and his wife saw a child clearly in awe of Officer Justin Goods. The witness messaged Annapolis Police Chief Michael Pristoop about the time and attention the child received. And the department shared the warm note on Facebook.

That prompted more kudos from residents.

Tina M Wiesner said on Facebook: “Annapolis Police Department has without a doubt the best officers in the entire state. So grateful I live in this beautiful city and feel safe! Thank you to all the men and women who continuously look out for us and our loved ones.”

And Charles E James Sr. said, “It’s great to recognize Officer Goods for the attention given to a young child. Often the wrong impressions are made because of lack of knowledge or teachings. Hats off to you officer Goods. job well done!!!”

The message to the chief reads:

Chief Pristoop:

I have written to you once before on an occasion when I observed conduct by your officers that I considered over and above.

Today was another such instance. My wife and I stopped in the McDonald’s on West St. for a snack in the midst of many errands. While we were there, a police car pulled into the parking area and an officer came in. A little boy, about 4 or 5 yrs., was taken with the officer.

Officer Goods took about 10 to 15 minutes to charm the little boy and even took him out to show him the patrol car. He sat him in the seat and turned on the lights, and then got him out to show what he had turned on. My wife was almost moved to tears to see the effort by Officer Goods to reach out to this little boy. My wife and I told officer Goods that it was probably an experience that the little boy would never forget.

He said he hoped that was true. I hope that all of your officers feel this way, as it would remove our city from the possibility of the chaos we have seen recently.