SARASOTA, Fla. — An unexpected encounter that lasted mere seconds brought a Florida police officer to tears when he heard the kind message a stranger had for him.
Sarasota officer Scott Patrick says he was walking into the police department to turn in paperwork when a blue SUV pulled up and stopped in the middle of the roadway.
"This caught my attention as I try and be aware of my surroundings at all times, especially in a day and age where officers are targeted simply for wearing a uniform," he wrote on the department's Facebook page. When the driver honked the horn, he figured the man needed directions and walked over.
"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?'" Patrick recalled feeling caught off guard as the man walked towards him with both arms opened; he said it wasn't something he had encountered very often in his 13 years of policing.
Patrick said he decided to share his story to bring a smile to peoples' faces in during difficult time, and hopes people share.
See officer Patrick's full statement below: