This image below was loaded on to NYPD’s Facebook page recently from a photo taken in early November, and it has now gone viral. I just heard about it on the news this morning, but you may have already hear the story and seen the image. Regardless, it’s worth sharing.

Larry DePrimo, from the NYPD, saw a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk without shoes, nor socks, and apparently had blisters on his feet. DePrimo stopped and talked with the man for a while. In doing so, he found out the stranger wore a size 12, so the officer went into a nearby Sketchers shoe store and bought a pair of $100 boots for a little over $75, after the store gave a discount, as well as thermal socks.

During this encounter, a tourist snapped a photo of Primo knealing down, and it was this image she loaded onto Facebook to share, not knowing at that time it would be shared throughout the world. As of Thursday night, the photo had been shared more than 140,000 times, “liked” more than 420,000 times and received 31,000 comments.

Here is the officer in an interview explaining the incident in full. Primo has been recognized worldwide for his kindness and generosity. Officer Larry DePrimo appeared before throngs of reporters and cameras on Thursday after being awarded a pair of cufflinks by his boss, NYPD Commisioner Ray Kelly.

DePrimo, who never learned the man’s name, said he keeps the receipt for the boots in his vest to remind him of some people’s circumstances.

Below the image is the officer telling his story to a crowd of journalists.

NYPD Officer Gives Boots to Homeless Man

References:

Sky News: New York Good Cop Explains Act Of Kindness
NBC New York: NYPD Officer Who Gave Boots to Barefoot Man Says Experience of Viral Photo “Surreal”
Yahoo: NYPD officer photographed giving boots to barefoot homeless man melts icy hearts online

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