Give a smile, say hello, and change a tire

You gave on the way a pleasant smile, and thought no more about it.

It cheered a life that had been dark the while, which might have been wrecked without it.

And so for that smile that was given there, you'll have a reward sometime-somewhere.

You spoke one day a cheering work, and passed to other duties.

It cheered a heart; new promise stirred, and painted a life with beauties.

And so for that word of golden cheer, you'll have a reward sometime-somewhere.

You lent a hand to a fallen one; lift in love was given.

You saved a soul when hope was gone, and helped him on toward heaven.

And so for that help you proffered there, you'll have a reward sometime-somewhere.

-Author Unknown

I spoke to someone this week who is planning to attend the police academy very soon. He told me he wanted to be in law enforcement, but heard that the Sheriff's Office had to help people change tires and "stuff like that" so he was looking at maybe going into a federal law enforcement job because he was not getting into law enforcement to change tires. Most of the time I try to be very supportive and encouraging to anyone that tells me they want to go into law enforcement but this time, I told him he needed to look into some other line of work. It also got me to thinking later about what it is that makes someone want to help others? Can you teach someone to care or be nice? Ever had someone bump into you at the store and mumble "sorry" as they keep on walking? You can feel the concern in their voice!

I had someone stop me in the store this week who wanted me to tell the deputy that helped him push his broken down car off the street thank you. He said the deputy also gave him a ride to the store to buy a part for the car and then drove him back, and even left his cell phone number with him in case he needed anything else. Although we hold as much training for the deputies and teach them as much as we can, I do not believe this is something that can just be taught. Someone may be able to perform a task that helps someone because they are told or because they know it is their job, but I do not think you could call that an act of kindness. I also received a letter from a Vernon County citizen last week thanking the deputies for the job they have been doing along with some encouraging words. I passed the kinds words along to the deputies and I would like to thank those people for taking the time to say something encouraging to them! Philo of Alexandria said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." You never know what kind of pain, hardship or burden someone you come in contact with may be carrying, and I want our deputies to make a positive impact on the lives of those they come into contact with whenever possible. It may be a smile, it may be a helping hand, or some other friendly gesture, but every chance you have to say something nice to someone else is an opportunity that should not be missed!