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
Categories: All, Photo Gallery, Variety & Odd News
Good to know not all is lost in this world
No, it is not. Thankfully.
I read about this a few days ago. Reminds me of my niece. Her and her husband were on the Wichita Police Force of Kansas for over 12 years. They both are very heartfelt people and tough on crime – both were tough cops with good hearts that showed compassion. After finishing their masters in criminal justice (yes both of them did this) they moved to Texas and have pursued other career directions in criminal justice. They head up 2 different charities to help homeless teens and adults nation wide and my niece volunteers for the national animal rescue as well and is a foster home for pets to be adopted. Yes police officers are good people too.
Good for them! There are plenty of good officers. Unfortunately, it’s the bad cops that get all the attention. I have a brother who is a cop, too. He’s an asshole, but a good cop. Not corrupt.
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
This is a real “feel good story”. Thank you Ms. Michelle.
Saw this story on the news last night and just wanted to hug Officer DePrimo. We get nothing but “bad cop” stories in Denver. I really needed this “good cop” story.
I think most of America does too.
This gives me hope. So many bad cop stories. This warms my jaded heart. Thank you for the share..
Reblogged this on 2012 Spirit In Action and commented:
I love seeing how people everywhere are opening from the heart and taking action to help others. Just imagine what our world will be like when everyone makes these kinds of choices all the time;-)