As problems between law enforcement and minorities continue to escalate nationally, one Gwinnett County police officer has found a way to gain trust and respect in the Hispanic community.
Officer Scott Pihera, who has worked for the Gwinnett County Police Department for two decades, has become a beloved figure in Norcross neighborhoods. His frequent visits to apartment complexes for security and vigilance purposes helps, but Pihera is also known and recognized in the community for going beyond expected duties of an agent of the law.
When Pihera sees children out playing, he stops not just to greet them, but to distribute small toys and candy. He has found out about unfortunate circumstances in the community and gone the extra mile to provide assistance when he is able.
This past Christmas he delivered presents he purchased with his own money.
Among the recipients was Fatima Mairena, a single mother from Honduras who had been placed under a deportation process after being discovered driving without a license.
Upon finding out that Mairena’s three children had not received the toys they wanted for Christmas, Pihera arrived with gifts in hand.
“When I saw that it was a policeman I got scared, but one of my children told me, ‘mom it’s Scott, our friend,’ so I opened the door, and I was surprised to see that he had brought them presents,” said Mairena. “I was really surprised by this good deed, because the police don’t do things like that.”
An investigation by MundoHispánico left clear that Pihera takes very seriously the motto “to serve and protect.”
“Officer Pihera has been doing this for years,” said Gwinnett Police Department spokesperson Deon Washington. “He has a passion for helping others, and he does so with his own money.”
Animals are often the lucky beneficiaries of Pihera’s actions as well.
“Officer Pihera always keeps bags of food in his squad car, for when he encounters dogs and cats in the street. He stops to feed them, everyone in our department knows that,” said Washington.
Pihera’s actions contribute to a renewed sense of trust between the Hispanic community and law enforcement, a relationship that has become increasingly strained in recent months due to a series of raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“The truth is that he inspires trust. You can tell that he loves his fellow man, and that’s something lacking today,” said Mairena.
Pihera was surprised by the praise from the Hispanic community.
“I don’t think I’ve done anything extraordinary, just what I like to do, which is to try and serve the people of my county,” said Pihera. “Children are children, and it’s our duty to try and make them happy regardless of their race or what country they’re from. It’s an honor for me to be able to do it, it’s a good feeling.”
About the Author
