Police Help Older Man Shovel in Baltimore County

Sometimes police get the chance to prevent a 911 call.

That’s what happened for some Baltimore County police officers who were cruising by Joppa Road at Walther Boulevard this week.

They spotted an older man shoveling and immediately rendered assistance, helping him to clear a path in front of his home.

Afterward, Baltimore County police reported receiving the photograph above and this note on Tuesday, Jan. 26:

“...I was sitting in traffic I saw 2 officers helping this elderly man shovel his driveway. The officers cars were stopped with lights on and shoveling. Many plows passed by, slowing to look but kept driving, but these officers took time to actually help him. What a great deed that I didn’t want to go unnoticed!”

More than 30 inches of snow reportedly fell in parts of Baltimore County during the weekend snowstorm, creating a challenge even for snow plows.

The man who had been trying to shovel was suffering from a broken shoulder and trying to get to his doctor’s appointment, according to a woman who identified herself as an officer on the Baltimore County Police and Fire Facebook page.

“One of my [sergeants] was driving by and saw him struggling,” she wrote. “I grabbed a few shovels that we had at the precinct and other officers met me there. Just imagine if that was your parent or grandparent; you would want people to help them.“

• Up to 32 Inches of Snow in Baltimore County: Reports
• Aberdeen Police Save Man from Hypothermia
• 5 Cardiac Arrests Reported in Harford County Saturday
• Ways to Avoid Injury When Shoveling Snow

As of Thursday, public works crews were continuing to clear roads, while citizens are cautioned to beware of ice.

Citizens who have not seen a plow on their streets, contact 410-887-3560 or email snow@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Photo Credit: Baltimore County Police and Fire.