Police officers in the United States get a ton of flack. We live in an age where videos, pictures, information, and personal complaints spread as quickly as wildfire. Going viral is easier to do than ever, especially if you have a juicy police complaint story. The issue is that all of these negative stories put the reputation of even the most upright police officers on the line. Nevertheless, these officers in blue persist at their jobs as everyday heroes with little to no acknowledgment. When a 92-year-old veteran sounded the alarm after a robbery, the police attending the scene made a hair-raising discovery in his house, one they couldn’t ignore. It’s stories like this one that should help to restore hope in the police force! (1, 2)
Police Officers and Freedom of Speech
In America, we value freedom of speech. Therefore, it’s important that we remain free to criticize members of any profession when they perform their job ineffectively. The power found in America’s freedom of speech helps keep people safe. That being said, it’s equally important to remember what it takes to perform certain jobs, such as police officers who risk their lives daily in order to protect the public. It’s also important to keep track of the good along with the bad. While police officers tend to be thought of negatively, it’s important to remember that many of these men and women are capable of amazing feats! The story of this 92-year-old veteran is a prime example of such heroism. (1, 2)
92-year-old Vet Sounds Alarm for Robbery
World War II veterans are a rarity. Not many of these war heroes are still living today, but 92-year-old Louis C. Hicks is one of the remaining few. Throughout Hicks’ eventful life, he always tried to do the right thing and uphold justice. This effort was fully displayed when America was called to defend Europe’s freedom and Hicks fought willingly. Somewhat recently, however, Hicks encountered a crime when he discovered the tools in his workshop behind his home were missing. He alerted the police about the theft at once in the hopes they could find the stolen tools, catch the thief, and correct the wrongdoing. Hicks only wanted to get his tools back, but when Officers Chasity Salazar reported to the scene, she insisted on initiating an investigation by looking around Hicks’ home. (1, 2)
Hicks was well aware that he couldn’t hide what was happening in the kitchen of his home, so he didn’t even try. He allowed Officer Salazar to investigate the home, see what was happening in his kitchen, and then quickly leave. 92-year-old Hicks had no idea that Salazar had been doing a unique kind of detective work around his home or that she was planning on returning later with something to make Hicks life much easier. (1, 2)
Police Make Hair-Raising Discovery in Louis Hicks’ Home
The thing Salazar discovered in Hicks’ kitchen was something hair-raising and sad. Hicks was using his gas stovetop to heat his house, lighting up all of the burners in order to create as much warmth as possible. Apparently, Hicks’ heater was broken and due to financial reasons, the elderly vet was unable to repair or replace it. Salazar turned to her police colleagues in order to get help. After receiving several generous donations, Salazar purchased an entirely new heater for Hicks so he could stop relying on his stovetop for heat. (1, 2)
Hicks was in tears when Salazar delivered the gift. “I’ve never had no one to do nothing for me,” he told a local news station. “After my mother passed away and left me to take care of my two sisters … nobody never did anything to help me. You hate to ask anybody ’cause sometimes they’ll frown on you, and I’m a true veteran. I won’t ask. I won’t ask.” (1, 2)
Conclusion
Officer Salazar wasn’t only happy to offer Hicks a helpful gift in his time of need, but she was also grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to a man who had offered so much for his country back during the war. Since her heroic intervention, the entire neighborhood banded together with the goal of making Hicks’ life as smooth as possible. According to Hicks, “It means everything. The things I’ve been trying to do since the ’40s…I’ve been asking for help. And now, it just came in. God is good.”