On the way home from the office today I stopped off at the AutoZone on Plank Road in Fredericksburg.  When I walked in, a Virginia State Trooper was checking out at the cash register.  He had what appeared to be an upper radiator hose and hose fittings.  As I walked in and past him and the store manager I overheard something about a motorist.

State Troopers spend a lot of time with motorists so I didn’t give it a second thought.

After I collected my items I walked up to the cash register area where the manager was having a longer conversation with the trooper.  This time I overheard more accurately.  This trooper had come upon a motorist on the shoulder of Interstate 95 with a disabled car.  The Trooper diagnosed the issue, drove to AutoZone, purchased the parts and was about to drive back to help the motorist.

I introduced myself and shook his hand and thanked him for his uncommon behavior.  He said:

“I’ve been doing this for 37 years and the world can always use a little more kindness.”

If you’ve ever been on the wrong side of the law from a Virginia State Trooper you’ll agree that they are some serious hard-asses.  Professional, well-kept, all-business.  To hear this come out of the mouth of a State Trooper was moving.  He gathered his things and walked out of the store.

I stood there for a moment in lingering disbelief.  Who does what this guy just did?  This guy has spent 37 years chasing road rage, speeders, getting yelled at, possibly shot at, and certainly lied to more than a few times.  And yet, this guy goes and buys a stranded motorist essential car parts.  Ooh-rah.

I’m really annoyed I didn’t catch his name.  I would have loved to get him some well-deserved recognition though something tells me that’s exactly not why he does this kind of thing.

To the amazing Virginia State Trooper I met today – you make me want to be a better man.