At a time when discussions on police are constantly in the news, an officer from Tarrant, Alabama grabbed the country’s attention with his incredible act of compassion.
A Needy Alabama Woman Acts in Desperation
Called to the scene by employees of the Dollar General store, police officer William Stacy confronted Helen Johnson, a 47-year-old woman caught pocketing a few eggs and trying to leave the premises.
She started crying, immediately admitting that she had stolen the eggs. In fact, they had broken in her pocket. “I’m not a good thief at all,” Johnson admitted.
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Johnson went on to explain that she, her two daughters, her niece and her two grandchildren (just toddlers) had gone without food for two days already. In desperation, she had gathered her last bits of change, a total of one dollar and twenty-five cents, and had gone to the dollar store to buy a carton of eggs. Johnson was disheartened to find that a carton of eggs cost $1.75 plus tax. She was missing just over 50 cents and wouldn’t be able to feed her family.
In despair, Johnson decided to take a few eggs. She put them in her pocket and tried to leave the store. When she got caught, she assumed she was going to jail.
Police officer Stacy told Johnson to wait. But when he came back, it wasn’t with handcuffs. Instead, he gave the woman a dozen eggs that he had purchased for her and told her not to shoplift again.
Virality Leads to a Chain of Kindness
Another shopper used his cellphone to film the incident, and the unexpected act of kindness by a police officer went viral.
Officer Stacy was caught off guard by the attention his act garnered. “I felt like it was the right thing to do,” he said simply. “I didn’t want to pass judgement on her…Some of these people get caught up in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Incidents of police brutality and the inappropriate use of force by figures of authority have been all over the news lately. People felt uplifted to see an example of a police officer fulfilling his duty to protect and serve—and they shared the video all across their social media networks.
Soon, calls were pouring into the Tarrant police station from people who, inspired by Officer Stacy, wanted to help this woman who was struggling to feed her family.
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In fact, Johnson’s welfare check had been lost in the mail, forcing the family to go without food for two days, unsure of when their next meal would be.
Not only did Stacy help the family eat that day, but his act of kindness set off a chain reaction. People all over the United States offered food, money and clothing. A fund was set up at the local credit union, and a committee uses any donations to pay Johnson’s rent, food, medicine and other bills. At last count, Johnson could be set for more than six months.
She says she hasn’t had this much food security since she was twelve years old.
Kindness Can Change Everything
The incident has changed how some people view police officers. A man phoned the Tarrant station from New York to tell the officers that he was angry with police, but after seeing the viral video, he changed his mind. People all over the country are commenting on the video, saying things like “I’m so proud of this police force,” and “we need more good cops like him”.
The first time that police officers visited Johnson’s apartment, her grandchild was concerned that Johnson would be arrested. Instead, the officers were bringing more food. More recently, when 3-year-old Tamarose was asked what she would do if someone was hungry and asked her for bread, the child responded, “I would give them the whole loaf. And then I would give them Officer Stacy’s number.”
Johnson’s grandchildren are now happy to see police officers at their door. They also have their pick of what to eat—so what do they choose? Cereal is their favorite.
Johnson made a bad choice at a bad time in her life. But she says that Officer Stacy’s reaction has her believing in humanity again. Her heart is open.
Stacy, for his part, believes it was all in the line of duty. “I can’t believe that it’s gotten this much attention, but I’m happy it has. Because of right now, with all the stuff [negative police behavior] going on all over the United States, it’s good that this type of story…gives a positive image for law enforcement. We’re not all crooked individuals.”
With two dollars and a simple act of kindness, police officer Stacy has helped restore people’s faith in the police force and become an everyday hero.
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.