Being a police officer has never been an easy job. Recently, the unnecessarily violent and often mortal errors of some police officers have made the position that much harder for all officers, including those law enforcement officials who remain committed to the communities that they serve. Tensions between police officers and civilians have soared to new heights reminiscent of the age of the Black Panthers, leading to widespread protests, calls for policy changes, and, unfortunately, violent acts against police.
In response to this nationwide unease, many officers have taken it into their own hands to try to make amends for the mistakes of their fellow policemen and policewomen.
Thatโs what happened when Sherry Lynn Hillard called the Arp, Texas police. Hillardโs son, John, is autistic and falls into unpredictable rages. John lost control over his emotions, leading Hilllard to call the police for assistance.
โIn the last week Iโve had 6 police officers in my home because my sonโs meltdowns turned to rage,โ she posted later, on Facebook. โWith so much negativity shown towards law enforcement lately, I couldnโt pass up the opportunity to show my appreciation for the empathy these officers had for my son.โ
According to Hillard, the police officers arrived at her home with a little understanding of autism or how to work with people who have the condition, โbut they listened and learned while they kept us safe.โ
โThey also asked A LOT of questions so they wouldnโt do the wrong thing,โ she remembered.
Hillard said that her sonโs rage was triggered by a reason most people would find hard to understand:
โThe meltdown today was because John wants to dress like Joe on Blues Clues but I canโt find that same shirt anywhere.โ
Despite the unfamiliar situation, the officers were able to work with John, preserving his and his motherโs safety.
โAfter calming him down, the officers went and bought a blue shirt and with Jennโs fabric markers they attempted to create the shirt John wants. Thatโs what this picture is, three officers going above and beyond to help a severely autistic teenage boy!โ
Perhaps because they were police officers and not seamstresses, the officersโ shirt โdidnโt work.โ But, Hillard was touched by their willingness to try.
โThe fact that they were willing to do this for my son made them heroes in my eyes,โ she said.
Hillardโs story has since gone viral, with all sides of the internet weighing in on the officersโ actions. What do you think?
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
source: Independent Journal Review
