Earlier this week, under the quiet cover of night, Sgt. Totel and Officer Ring were on duty when a call came in. It wasn’t a high-speed chase or a dangerous standoff—it was a request for help from a local resident whose mother had just been rushed to the hospital.
When they arrived, they learned something important: the woman at home had developmental disabilities and was fast asleep. By morning, she would wake to find her mom gone and two unfamiliar people in her home—a situation that could easily cause fear and confusion.
For many, the job might have ended after checking that she was safe. But for Sgt. Totel and Officer Ring, leaving her to face the morning alone wasn’t an option.
They stayed.
Over the next couple of hours, the two officers worked the phones, coordinating with the county Board of Developmental Disabilities Services and reaching out to her home health aides. Their goal wasn’t just to make sure she was physically safe—it was to make sure her morning would unfold with as little disruption as possible.
When the resident woke up, the officers didn’t greet her with authority or urgency. They greeted her like friends. Officer Ring headed straight for the kitchen and got to work on what he jokingly called his “world-famous” scrambled eggs. The smell of breakfast filled the home, replacing any anxiety with something warm and familiar. And when the meal was done, he didn’t just leave the mess—he rolled up his sleeves and started washing dishes, making the kitchen sparkle again.
Meanwhile, Sgt. Totel helped her ease into her morning routine. He assisted her with putting on her shoes and jacket, making sure she was dressed warmly for the day ahead. He packed her lunch, ensuring she had everything she needed for her program. They chatted along the way, letting her set the pace, keeping the mood light and comfortable.
By the time she was ready to head out, the morning felt normal. She had eaten, dressed, and packed her things just like any other day. And thanks to the care and patience of two officers who understood the importance of routine, she made it to the bus on time, headed for her day program without a hitch.
In the grand scheme of things, it may have been a small act—making breakfast, helping with shoes, packing a lunch. But for this resident, it was the difference between starting the day in fear and starting it with a smile.
Sgt. Totel and Officer Ring reminded everyone that the heart of policing isn’t always about emergencies or arrests. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, stepping into someone else’s world, and making sure they feel safe, supported, and cared for.
That morning, their kindness was the quiet heroism that made all the difference.
