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Police officers work to serve and protect the public, it’s the motto they swear by and everyday they answer calls all across the country of people seeking help. While the majority of their time is spent dealing with traffic issues and disturbances involving people, sometimes they have to assist other animals in need. Simply put, cops never know what they are going to come across when on the job, and one Maryland police officer could have never guessed she’d be praised for what she did one dark and stormy day.
When Carolyn Hammett and her husband were driving near their home in Greenbelt, Maryland they witnessed the cops selfless act. Rain was coming down in sheets, it was absolutely pouring outside, and yet up ahead in the middle of the road was a dark figure. As they got closer the couple realized that it was a police officer and she was standing over something on the road. The officer was soaking wet and yet she was smiling down at her feet, looking as happy as a clam out in the storm.
When they finally got close enough the Hammett’s realized that the cop was standing guard over a snapping turtle! Someone had luckily spotted the turtle trying to cross the road and told the officer who then stopped to assist it. Since it was raining hard the little guy wasn’t easy to see and she didn’t want it to get hit by a car, so she pulled over and stood by it. Being a snapping turtle, she couldn’t just pick it up without risking getting bit, plus it’s best to not handle any wild creatures. Either way, the officer wanted to keep it safe and had become the turtle’s bodyguard for the duration of his crossing.
Carolyn and her husband were amazed at what the officer was doing. They knew most people would just keep driving, and even fewer would actually stand in the rain in the middle of the road to protect a turtle. Inspired by the selfless act, they too pulled over and Carolyn’s husband jumped out of the car with an umbrella in hand. He ran over to the officer and shielded her from the rain while they chatted about the turtle’s predicament.
The officer had called animal control to come move the turtle out of the road, but there was no telling when they’d arrive. For now, all she could do was stand guard and wait. Having dealt with snappers before, the Hammett’s knew just what to do. They ran home and got two shovels, then used them to pick the turtle up off the road and place him on the side where he’d be safe. Now they could all rest easy and change into warn, dry clothes!
The cop who was guarding the turtle that day was Officer Sharnise Hawkins-Graham. She ended up being awarded the 2017 Greenbelt Police Officer of the Year for her outstanding service and dedication, shown not only on that rainy day, but all throughout the year. It’s inspiring to see others act so unexpectedly compassionate towards even the smallest of creatures among us, and when the Hammett’s saw Officer Hawkins-Graham, they were moved to help out as well.
Watch the video below for the full story:
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