Brighten Your Day

'It Doesn't Take Much': Trooper's Act Of Kindness Caught On Camera

August 17, 2019

It started with a conversation and ended with a small act of kindness.

New York State Trooper Chris Mahoney often stops at a local Fastrac in Rochester when he's out on patrol. On a recent patrol, he noticed a man carrying heavy bags and sleeping gear.

He started a conversation with the man and learned he only had a donut to eat that day. Mahoney then offered to buy him a small meal and drink.

A photo of the act of kindness was captured by another shopper and posted on social media.

Mahoney had no idea.

WHEC tracked down the trooper to find out the story behind the photo and what led up to that moment.

"He said he was 37 years old, been drifting for 20 years. Originally from Vegas, traveled here to Rochester and is trying to get to New Orleans," recalled Mahoney. "He was a kind individual. I just wanted to get to know him, be proactive. I like to talk to people."

"I asked him the last time he had anything to eat or drink because he looked thirsty. He said he had a donut that morning so I offered to buy him something to drink and to eat inside the Fastrac."

"It doesn't take much, it doesn't take money, it just takes someone to care, to take the time, which is our most important commodity," Mahoney said. "To take a moment to take the effort to give back to the community."

The New York State police also shared the story on their Facebook page.

"It's not always about being a good Trooper," they wrote, "sometimes it's just being a good human."