Brighten Your Day

Deputy Hugs Overwhelmed Man In Heartwarming Bodycam Footage

February 9, 2023

"I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words" – Ann Hood

A police officer's bodycam captured a heartwarming moment between an overwhelmed civilian and a deputy.

Credit: Macomb County Sheriff's Office

Earlier this week, a deputy with the Macomb County Sheriff's Office in Michigan was called to a vehicle that was sitting on the side of the road.

Deputy Thorne arrived to find "Joe", a name the department is using to protect his real identity.

Joe explained to Deputy Thorne that he was headed to work and had to pull over because he was feeling down and just needed a break. He didn't want to hurt himself. He was upset and had multiple stressful issues making him feel overwhelmed.

Deputy Thorne asked what he could do to help, and Joe simply responded that he could use a hug.

That was all. A hug.

Deputy Thorne was more than happy to help and gave Joe a good strong hug as Joe was able to release some emotional tears.

For the next twenty minutes, Deputy Thorne and Deputy Parisek, both military veterans, sat with Joe and exchanged stories. Deputy Thorne provided Joe with a few resources, including his own contact information, to help him get through the times when he was feeling overwhelmed.

Watch the bodycam video below.