Police Officer Buys A Week's Worth Of Groceries For Struggling Woman

January 12, 2023

A police officer in Denver went above and beyond the call of duty to help a citizen in need.

Yesterday she received an award from the nonprofit Citizens Appreciate Police.

police officer good news story
Officer Martin / Credit: The Denver Gazette

Officer Melissa Martin of the Denver Police Department responded to a noise complaint on New Year's Eve. Martin learned the woman she encountered had just escaped an abusive relationship and recently moved into an apartment on her own.

The woman told Martin she was struggling with mental illness and substance abuse, and said she hadn't eaten in four or five days. Martin found her refrigerator empty, and decided to buy the woman groceries for the week with her own money.

"I try really hard not to judge just try to help them in the situation that they find themselves," Martin said. "If the world would just treat people like they would like be treated, how much of a difference might that make?"

On Wednesday, Martin received an award from the nonprofit Citizens Appreciate Police. Citizens Appreciate Police recognizes local police officers who serve "above and beyond the regular call of duty."

More than 200 Denver officers have received the CAP Award since the nonprofit was launched in 1978.


feel good videoHis Last Day As A Teacher After 36 Years. They Turned It Into A Memory For Life

feel good stories'I Laughed And Cried': Vet’s Hilarious Condolence Card Brings Laughter To Grieving Cat Owner

feel good storiesThree Brothers Cleaning Out Mom’s Attic Found A Comic Worth $9 Million

feel good storiesTeen Runs His Own Restaurant ALONE — One Of The Most Uplifting Stories You'll Read

feel good storiesPet Owners Share Hilarious Stories Of Paying The Vet… Just To Find Out Their Pets Are Weird

feel good storiesA Man Ruined A Beautiful Snowman Display — What Happened Next Was Perfect

feel good videoA Stray Dog Wouldn't Let Go Of A Toy, So Shoppers Bought It For Him

feel good videoDaycare Worker Goes Viral After Dancing For Babies — Their Reactions Are Priceless

feel good videoUnexpected Friends: Rhino And Tiny Deer Play In Snow

feel good videoSheep Escape Herd And Wander Into Supermarket In Funny Video

feel good videoDog And Rooster Chase Each Other In The Funniest Video You’ll See Today