This is the heartwarming moment a police officer gives a sobbing young man who was feeling overwhelmed with life a hug.
The incident took place recently on a road in Macomb County, in the US state of Michigan.
The footage shows the police deputy checking 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.
The police arrived to find the man, who they named as ‘Joe’, saying they had changed his name to protect his privacy, sitting behind the wheel of his car in visible distress.
One police officer asks 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”. Muting sensitive information, the cops also offer to call the young man’s mother. He 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. They also offer 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 5th February 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 Center 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.”
