HCPD Officer Shows 'Act of Humanity' at Intersection

A citizen who witnessed an emotionally charged situation at an intersection in Jessup emailed a note of gratitude to the Howard County Police Department.

Police shared the note on Facebook, and within the hour, dozens of the department’s followers have ”liked” and commented on the post, which is published in full below. Officials say they hope one person is inspired to take action.

From the Howard County Police Department’s Facebook page:

“We appreciate getting emails like the one below. Police officers are human beings first, law enforcers second. We hope one person feels inspired to offer a small act of kindness to a stranger after reading this post. Thank you to the resident who took a moment to write us. There’s nothing better than paying it forward.”

“’I was sitting at the intersection of 175 and Rt. 1. A man who appeared homeless was perched in the median, asking for help. People sitting in the traffic line awkwardly looked away. It was then that an officer pulled up, lights on. I thought with certainty that this officer was going to chase the man off his perch in the middle of the road. No. Instead he handed the man a full bag of lunch, and headed on his way. I didn’t get the officer’s car number, and I guess it doesn’t matter. The kindness he showed made a difference- not only to the guy that was down on his luck. But it mattered to everyone that witnessed this act of kindness and humanity. Thank you, officer, for leading by example. One little act has a domino effect. Thank you for making a better community. We notice.’”