It started as just another hectic day on the road — until a small, quiet act of kindness stopped everyone in their tracks.
In Coral Springs, Florida, a woman named Janet Balestriero came across the aftermath of a three-car crash. Police lights flashed, engines hissed, and people stood anxiously waiting for help. But amid the chaos, one image stood out — a police officer sitting cross-legged on the pavement beside a young boy, calmly talking to him as if the rest of the world had paused.
The boy’s parent was busy speaking with authorities after the accident, clearly shaken. Without hesitation, Officer Bryan Dougherty of the Coral Springs Police Department’s SWAT team stepped in — not with commands, but with compassion. He sat with the boy, keeping him company and gently chatting about his favorite Disney character. Between them sat a small toy firetruck — a simple object that became a symbol of comfort and care.
Janet snapped a photo of the moment and later shared it on the Coral Springs Police Department’s Facebook page, writing, “It was an act of kindness. I try to find a little kindness every day in a world that’s gone crazy.”
Her post quickly went viral, touching thousands across the country. Coral Springs Police Chief Clyde Parry proudly responded, “So proud of our officers. Things like this happen often, but are rarely reported.”
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