SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — In the aftermath of the Dallas massacre, police officers all over the country are considered targets, which has officers everywhere on edge.
A Sarasota police officer had a unique encounter with a stranger that brought him to tears this week. His post about it is now going viral.
On Tuesday, Officer Scott Patrick was walking into the Sarasota Police Department carrying paperwork, when suddenly the driver of a blue SUV stopped in the middle of traffic and honked his horn.
Patrick said he was initially concerned. Patrick said officers typically see people at their worst, and are always prepared if people are hostile.
“Unfortunately with the Dallas incident and incidents all over the country, we’re on edge more than ever,” he told News Channel 8. “It’s always been a dangerous job. Unfortunately, I think it’s becoming more dangerous.”
“Obviously, we treat everyone the same but we’re definitely guarded right now for good reason. It’s a scary time, but the job hasn’t changed; we’re still here to protect other people,” Patrick added.
In a Facebook post Patrick described what happened: “I turned and walked towards his vehicle. As I approached the vehicle, the driver opened the door and stepped out. He was very tall, well tall compared to me because I am only 5’8.” He immediately said “Thank you officer, may I give you a hug?” He walked toward me with both arms opened. This is not something I have heard very often in my 13 1/2 years as a police officer. Catching me off guard I hesitated for a moment and then said yes. I walked up and he gave me a huge hug!”
Patrick said he began crying and the man then said, “Get home safe to your family and thank you again for what you do.”
The man said his name was Washington. He then returned to his car and drove off.
In his Facebook post, Patrick described what this meant to him:
I went inside the police department with tears running down my face and had to take a few minutes to compose myself in the hallway. This man’s random act of kindness overwhelmed me so much because it is not something that we as law enforcement officers hear or see often. As I reflected about what just happened in that hallway I thought back to the moment I saw that man. I saw a “man” just a citizen, I thought he may need help and I wanted to assist. I didn’t see the color of his skin or his age or religious preference. I just saw a human being, just like I do on every call for service I go on. He saw me as a human being that just happens to be a cop. In case you’re wondering “Washington” was a black man and I am obviously a white cop. The reason I am writing this post is to share this story and bring a smile to your face and hopefully encourage others to show support to those that protect our society every day without question. We do so regardless of race, creed, or religious background. We protect everyone equally! So please repost if you would like and remember that ALL LIVES MATTER!! Not just black or blue or whatever you are. We have to stop labeling people! We are all humans! God Bless America.”
The post has been shared by hundreds on Facebook, and Patrick was even featured on CNN.
The officer talked with News Channel 8 Friday.
“I was all choked up when it happened and so I went back into that door and it took me a second to compose myself,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of support so that caught me off guard and took me totally by surprise and was such a great thing to hear.”
Patrick continued. “There’s a lot of hatred and divide right now instead of caring for each other. We’re all human beings,” he said. “Show kindness and love. It’ll go a long way, it’ll make this place a lot better.”
