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Community Unites To Help Family After Van Brakes Down In Traffic

July 30, 2018

Police officers - along with many compassionate strangers - are being praised for helping a family in need on a hot summer day in Alabama.

Credit: Erica O'Neal Melton

Erica Melton of Prattville, Alabama, was driving with her husband, Douglas, who is a quadriplegic, when their van broke down in a busy intersection.

Melton flagged down an officer for help, but never expected what happened next.

"The officers not only pushed our van out of traffic but made sure we were ok," she wrote in a Facebook post.

"Officer Hope stayed with us went and got water other Good Samaritans stopped with water took me to get lunch and we were also blessed us with other gifts. We are truly blessed to have such good people among us to come to our aid when we are in need. This showed me unity in our community and we need more of it."

Melton went on to thank everyone who took the time to help that day.

"I want to give a special thanks to the first responding officer, officer Hope, (PPD) the gentleman that was so giving and encouraging from his church (Glenwood on McQueen Smith), the technician from Brewbaker motor Hope the service manager at Brewbaker, the tow truck driver, the young lady that stopped with water, Angie the van driver that picked us up and transported us home, and most of all Thank you God for allowing your people to accommodate and demonstrate what we all should be."

When asked about his act of kindness, Sgt. Hope told WFSA he was just doing his job.

"I was on duty. I didn't do anything different than any other Prattville police officer would have done."