Florida police officer’s encounter with homeless man goes viral for all the right reasons

Interactions between police and homeless people are often spotlighted when things go poorly.

But one Florida police officer’s act of kindness towards a homeless person in the community she serves is gaining attention for a good reason.

The Ocala Police Department posted images on Instagram taken by TiAnna Greene, which show an Ocala police officer sitting down at a gas station, having breakfast with a homeless man. The officer is identified as Sgt. Erica Hay. The police department states that she bought and shared a meal with the man.

Greene wrote on her Instagram post that while she didn’t know the officer, she admired her and that the officer’s act of kindness made her morning.

For her part, Hay did not want to draw attention to her actions, but spoke briefly to the Ocala Post.  She said that the homeless man was very nice with a sad story, and appreciated the free food and conversation.