Officers sometimes end up in challenging situations in order to protect and serve our communities. Once Gainesville police officers Kristen Miller and Jessica Van got the call to check on an elderly woman, they never could have imagined what they would find in her kitchen. It wasn’t for the weak of heart, for sure, as one of the officers turned around right out the door at the sight.
The Gainesville Police Department described the situation on their Facebook page, noting: “Earlier today Officer Kristen Miller responded to a welfare check on a 92 year old female, her family was worried for her because her electricity and water had been out due to unforeseen circumstances. Officer Miller arrived on scene and found that all the food in the refrigerator had spoiled and she was out of water.”
The situation, understandably, left the women heartbroken over the woman’s living conditions and they decided to provide the woman with the basic necessities she so desperately needed. The Facebook post continued: “Officer Miller found out that she had no means of transportation and couldn’t make it to the store. Officer Miller and Corporal Jessica Van immediately took action, Cpl Van stayed with the female while Officer Miller went to the store and purchased some consumable items and water with her personal money.”
What an amazingly kind gesture! Officer Miller purchased groceries, water and Gatorade, as well as cookies, to provide the woman with something a little special.
The police department further explained that they were working on getting the woman’s utilities back on so that she would have electricity and water again. They noted: “The elderly female and her family were very grateful for Officer Miller’s selfless act and were glad to have her respond the way she did. This is what 90% of police work is about. We are PROUD to SERVE.”
The police department added: “This is just one example of what our officers do on a daily basis that goes unnoticed.”
Many who weighed in with comments on the Facebook post about the incident were impressed with the officers’ generosity, with notes such as: “This is great. True colors. I respect and honor this. Thank you all for helping the community!!!” and “Thank you and many blessings to each and every one of those taking care of others.”
Another person wrote: “bless those police officers for their goodness and generous hearts and wallets! Thanks to the media for showing what most ‘cops’ are like…instead of the minority!”
Others chimed in with comments such as: “Great job ladies… We need more officers like this… In any situation,” “Awesome! Thanks for sharing! It will come back around to these officers one day!! Stay safe,” “what an awesome thing you two did. God bless you and keep you safe,” and “A true blessing, it’s good to know there are still some good hearted police officers out there. Praise God.”
Still another commenter noted that “Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program she can benefit greatly from.”
