An act of kindness by a Saint John police officer that was captured in a photograph has sparked a huge positive reaction on social media.
Constable Travis Jones of the SJPD was photographed buying a meal for a man who he says had just been assaulted, was ‘down and out’ and told him that he hadn’t eaten in five days.
“I felt a little guilty for having just had my own lunch so we were near Sobeys and stopped in and spent $6.53 on a sandwich and a chocolate milk that made all the difference to that fella that night,” says Cst. Jones. “He didn’t ask for a thing…$6.53, what a tiny amount of money, but I’ll tell you, he was quite moved by the gesture.”
His first reaction to seeing the landslide of accolades, over 1400 reactions on the Facebook post as of Friday afternoon, that he received because of the gesture? He says initially he was a little embarassed.
“When I saw the picture I thought well, at least it’s somewhat anonymous so people won’t know that’s me,” says Cst. Jones, “and yet in the comments on the social media post people who I don’t even know were referencing my name and it just made me shake my head, and chuckle…all at the same time. We’re a small community.”
Chris Trenholm is the man who took the photo and he tells CHSJ News he was trying to be discreet in taking the photo and he’s glad he took it.
Despite the huge response to the small, yet meaningful gesture, Constable Jones thinks this type of action among police officers isn’t all that rare.
“Oftentimes we are put in situations where we are the stern consequence to people’s choices or actions,” says Cst. Jones. “And other times we are found in a position where we can be compassionate and caring. And that was the situation last night.”
(photo: Chris Trenholm)
