Police Officer Sally Zheng took an oath to protect and serve, as she wanted to follow in the footsteps of the man who helped her and took care of her more than twenty years ago during a dark period in her life.
When she was just 14-years-old, Officer Zheng tragically lost her parents and had to be placed into foster care. As you can imagine, it was a very difficult day for Sally but she pulled through thanks to the support and help of Officer Ralph Torres.
Luckily, Sally never gave up and was inspired to do good in the world. However, every time she completed a milestone such as graduating from high school or college or felt that she had accomplished something, Sally felt that someone important was missing. She missed the support and warmth of Officer Torres.
Even though they only met a single time during that day, Sally says that the police officer was the only bright spot in a dark time.
Sally desperately tried to find him and reach out to him, to tell him that she was okay. She even joined the NYPD in the hope of being able to meet once again. She wrote a letter to the man while she was in the police department, and that’s how the two were able to reconnect.
Officer Torres wanted it to be a surprise.
Sally thought it was just another daily roll call before patrolling the subways of The Big Apple, and she never saw the reunion coming.
The police chief then comes in and asks her if she knew an Officer Ralph Torres.
“Do you know Officer Ralph Torres? Would you like to meet him? Because he’s here this morning.”
Immediately, Sally is brought to tears. When Officer Torres finally is able to meet with her twenty years later, she gets even more emotional and gives him a very large hug.
“They found you,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re still here.”
The reunion was very emotional and Sally was glad that she was able to meet him again and tell him she was doing well.
Never undervalue what you do,” he says to her. “Unbelievable how things turned out.”
The police chief spoke some very true words after this heartwarming reunion:
“Throughout the day and throughout your career, you never know what effect you’re going to have on people.”
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ReunitedPolice Officer Sally Zheng stands roll call every night before she patrols NYC’s subways. There was a HUGE surprise waiting for her at this roll call. Officer Zheng was reunited with retired Officer Ralph Torres who took care of her 20 years ago and she’s been waiting to thank him ever since for inspiring her to help others.
Posted by NYPD on Thursday, June 1, 2017
