A State Trooper Pulled Over A Doctor For Speeding But Gave Her N95 Masks Instead
Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua was pulled over by a state trooper for speeding. Instead of giving her a ticket, the trooper did an incredible act of kindness and handed her his N95 masks instead.
Right now, doctors are like soldiers on the first line of defense against the coronavirus pandemic. They have been working incredibly long hours, often without the basic protective garments they need to stay safe and prevent transmitting the illness to themselves or taking it home to their loved ones.
Recently, one of these doctors in Minnesota was moved to tears when a police offer pulled her over for a speeding violation and it turned into an incredible act of kindness.
The police officer surprised her
Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua is a cardiologist at a coronavirus quarantine unit in Duluth and was pulled over by state trooper Brian Schwartz for speeding on March 21. She travels from Massachusetts to Minnesota for her work as locums cardiologist.
As she waited for the officer to pronounce his verdict. Dr. Janjua was convinced she would get a speeding ticket. Schwartz did reprimand her for driving over the speed limit, as an accident would be taking up resources they desperately need right now and would also prevent her from helping others by practicing her profession.
He then extended his hand and Dr. Janjua assumed he was returning her driver's license. Instead Schwartz handed her five N95 masks he was supposed to use as protection -- along with a warning to stop speeding, of course.
I burst into tears. And though it may just have been the cold wind, I think he teared up a little as well, before wishing me well and walking away.
Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua on Facebook
He noticed her used masks so he decided to help
Schwartz felt compelled to offer Janjua his N-95 masks after noticing "what appeared to be two used N95 masks in Ashraf's purse that he assumed she was reusing," the Minnesota State Patrol said in a statement to CNN.
There’s a dangerous shortage of N95 respirator masks for health care workers and Janjua, who is originally from Boston, said she was "afraid" of not having proper equipment to protect herself from possibly getting sick far from home.
Like all healthcare workers and emergency responders around the world, I have felt afraid of not having adequate protective equipment, and in my darkest moments, have worried about what would happen if I fell sick far from home.
Dr. Janjua on Facebook
Dr. Sarosh was even celebrated by the Minnesota State Patrol on their Facebook page.
Thank you to Sarosh for her hard work and dedication. Troopers are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time.
The Minnesota State Patrol
Small gestures go a long way
While the coronavirus
pandemic has changed the world as we know it, the kindness of people like Trooper
Schwartz is a reminder that nothing can take away our unity in times of crisis.
I think we are all just hanging on to something that makes us feel safe. Somehow, for Americans, that something has become N95 masks and toilet paper. Trooper Schwartz' act of kindness became my something.
Dr. Janjua
This goes to show that we all have the capacity to make a difference, even if it's by restoring faith and hope with little acts of kindness. They do mean a lot to the people fighting on the front lines.
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Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.