Police officers can appear to be quite stoic in performing their duties. In part, their constant confrontation with evil and criminal elements of society make them have to dawn a fearless demeanor.
Still, any officer will readily admit they ever remain human beings and being the one to bear bad news is never easy. Such was the case for Officer Eric Ellison on the day he arrived at the home of High School senior Kazzie Portie. The news was grim and there was no way to sugar coat it: the teenager, who was only 7 days from graduating, had lost both of his parents at the hands of a drunk driver.
One can imagine the heart wrenching experience it was for both Officer Ellison and young mister Portie. By all accounts, the news crushed the young man. As any parent understands all too well about high school graduation, it is an event that is more about the parents than it is the graduating senior.
That said, the story of the two men did not end there. One week later, Officer Ellison was standing by as the young man walked across the stage to accept his high school diploma.
As Portie came off the stage, an emotional Officer Ellison was standing by ready to give the young man a loving avuncular hug. Watch the video, and you will be touched by the outpouring of love the community offered the young man at this difficult time in his life. You’ll also see the power of a police officer who magnified the motto “protect and serve”.