“Today, I encountered an event that truly took me aback,” begins the story.

Police officers, constantly vigilant for wrongdoers, sometimes find themselves surprised by the unexpected acts of kindness that unfold right before their eyes.

This was the case for Officer Holt of the Independence Police Department in Missouri, a recent addition to the force.

Far from being embarrassed by his surprise, Officer Holt was eager to share his experience.

Officer Holt took to the police department’s Facebook page to share his story.

“I’m deeply moved by this young man,” he wrote.

“Today, I witnessed something that genuinely surprised me.

Not because it was shocking, but because I had the privilege of seeing it firsthand.”

He lamented the current climate of hostility towards those who are perceived as “different,” a sentiment seemingly at an all-time high.

Holt shared his view on hate, and or unkindess towards others.

“Why? Because most of it stems from what people read in the papers, not from personal experiences.”

Officer Holt, however, knows from his own encounters that kindness transcends color, gender, and religion.

As a police officer, Holt regularly interacts with the public and has seen the embodiment of kindness in a myriad of unique and beautiful forms.

“A young male got out of the backseat of a van in the pouring rain, removed his coat, and shielded an elderly woman from the elements as he escorted her to her car.

He then returned to his car without uttering a word to his Auntie or Mom when he exited or re-entered.”

When a police cruiser pulls someone over, it’s usually because they’ve done something wrong.

So, when Officer Holt stopped the van, the teen’s mother, who was driving, was understandably worried.

“I followed him to the van and approached the driver, his mother.”

“I told this young man that I was impressed and that he should be proud because I certainly was.

His mother had no idea what was happening, thinking she had done something wrong since I was in uniform.”

But Officer Holt had no intention of reprimanding them.

Instead, he showered them with praise.

“I told his mother that she has done an incredible job with him and that I hope and pray he achieves great things.

She started tearing up because I, a police officer, took time out of my day to acknowledge the good deed I had witnessed.”

Officer Holt initially shared his story on Facebook in the hope of reconnecting with the teen and his mother, as he hadn’t taken their personal details during their roadside encounter.

“I know the chances of this reaching his mother are slim, but kid, you impressed me.

The only thing he cared about was being kind.

Kiddo, if you see me on the street again, this guy owes you a dinner.

If you ever need anything, I will come running to you.”

As often happens with social media, the story went viral, and a family member saw the post and connected Officer Holt with 14-year-old Tyrea and his mother.

Officer Holt was overjoyed to meet the admirable teen in person.

And, true to his word, took them out for dinner.

“This young man, who I’ve only known for a short time, already means the world to me.

As promised, after finding him, I took him and his wonderful mom out to enjoy some Red Lobster.”

Applause is due to both Tyrea for his remarkable kindness and his mother for raising such a commendable young man.

See Officer Holt’s original post that went so viral just below!

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