A police officer has been praised for giving a sobbing man who was feeling overwhelmed with life a hug. The cop checked on the man after receiving a call about a car stopped by the side of the road, with the caller apparently concerned that something was wrong.
When he arrived, the upset man, who they referred to as Joe to protect his privacy, was sitting behind the wheel of his car in visible distress. The incident took place on a road in Macomb County, in the US state of Michigan.
In a video, a police officer can be heard asking what he can do to help and the man replies that he "could use a hug" before bursting into tears.
The police officer is more than happy to comply and gives the man a heartwarming hug.
The cops offer to get him someone to talk to, with the man explaining that he is "too stressed". They also offer to call the young man's mother, to which replies that he just did.
The officers and the man then talk about mental counselling. The cops then give the man some phone numbers he can call to talk to someone, and also offered to talk to him themselves if ever the young man needs it.
The man thanks the officers, who identify themselves as Jake and Fred, before the footage ends as the cops wish the young man a nice day and leave.
The moving images were obtained from the Macomb County Sheriff's Office after they were released on Sunday along with a statement saying: "'I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words' – Ann Hood
"A few days ago, Deputy Thorne was called to a vehicle that was sitting on the side of the road. The caller was concerned for the driver’s safety and believed he may have been passed out. Deputy Thorne arrived to find 'Joe'. Yes, we changed his name for privacy and took out a lot of personal information. (If you know him, please do not feel the need to post his name in the comments.)
"Like most traffic stops, a second deputy arrived because he was in the area and that’s what we do; we check on one another.
"Anyways, Joe explained to Deputy Thorne that he was headed to work and had to pull over because he was feeling down and just needed a break.
"He didn’t want to hurt himself. He was upset and had multiple stressful issues making him feel overwhelmed. Deputy Thorne asked what he could do to help, and Joe simply responded that he could use a hug. That was all. A hug.
"Deputy Thorne was more than happy to help a fellow human and gave Joe a good strong hug as Joe was able to release some emotional tears.
"For the next twenty minutes, Deputy Thorne and Deputy Parisek, both military veterans, sat with Joe and exchanged some stories, helpful remedies, encouragement, and even a laugh at the end.
"Deputy Thorne provided Joe with a few resources, including his own contact information, to help him get through the times when he was feeling overwhelmed. The two exchanged one last hug before going their separate ways.
"Please remember that we are all human. We all have good days, bad days, and days that we feel we might not make it through.
"But you can. Never be afraid to reach out and make that phone call to hear a helpful voice on the other end. Macomb County Crisis Centre can be reached 24/7 at 855-996-2264.
"We are proud to be the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. This is who we are."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
Do you have a story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
