An act of kindness can make a huge impact in someone’s life. No one knows this more than 94-year-old Howard Benson, who was deeply touched by a police officer’s generous act that came straight from the heart.
It all began when the Glendale, Arizona Police Department received a phone call from a man who was worried about his elderly father. As it turns out, his father (Howard) was preparing to make a 2,200-mile drive to Fort Myers, Florida, all while pulling a trailer.
The son, however, didn’t think it was safe for him to do so.
He needed some help convincing his dad that it wasn’t a good idea. So, the man requested that the police visit Howard’s home to talk him out of making the cross-country drive.
One of the cops who responded to the call was Sergeant Jeff Turney. They tried talking to Howard, but it didn’t take long to realize that the 94-year-old WWII veteran was set in his ways.
Sgt. Turney explained to CBS News:
“I walked in the door and I saw him sitting there and I said, ‘We’re not going to talk any sense into this guy.’ There was no stopping him.”
Howard’s reason for making the drive is that he was actually moving to Fort Meyers to reside in an assisted living facility.
Understandably, his children wanted him to ship all his belongings and take a flight instead. They were nervous about him driving a vehicle such a long way – not to mention, hauling a trailer as well.
That’s when Sgt. Turney came up with another plan.
It was an offer that showed not all angels have wings.
First, Sgt. Turney began visiting Howard’s home to help him pack up his trailer. Then he revealed to the elderly man what he planned on doing.
In his interview with CBS News, Sgt. Turney explained that he told him:
“…I don’t think I can get anybody to go with you. But how about I drive you?”
The two new friends, who were both veterans, would make the 2,200-mile journey together. It was an act of kindness that you certainly don’t hear about every day.
Along the way, Howard and the big-hearted cop had meaningful conversations. They talked about life, Howard’s past experiences in the Navy, and even his unsettled feelings about the move.
It took four days for the pair to get from Arizona to Florida, but they were able to arrive safely at Howard’s new residence.
Sgt. Turney offered to stay by Howard’s side until he felt comfortable at the facility. Fortunately, it didn’t take long before Howard was right at home.
The police officer’s generous act has been touching people’s hearts across the nation. But of course, the WWII vet was most grateful of all.
Howard expressed:
“I’ve never seen a person so dedicated to helping people in my life. I can’t thank that gentleman enough.”
Many viewers have shared positive comments on YouTube about the story. One person wrote:
“As a Navy veteran and a supporter of the police these two men epitomizes why we enlisted and why we support our officers. You have to have a heart and a soul to do both…to be a veteran and a police officer.”
Watch the video below to see more on this amazing kind act.
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