“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” ~ Luke 17:10

A commander of the Police Department met one of our residents during his time here on campus following a Senior University presentation. The encounter was memorable for both.

The commander, who looked to be in his 60’s, shared that he has served 30 years as a police officer. Our 90 year old resident,  a retired police officer who still carries his badge wherever he goes, shared that he spent 20 years as a police officer “walking the beat” (walking along the streets) on Skid Row. He then quietly and unassumingly shared of his modest number of arrests, over one thousand people, and the joy he experienced in serving the people and police department for so many years.

The very impressed younger commander exclaimed, “Wow! You never hear of anyone making one thousand arrests anymore. The younger officers never walk the beat nowadays, they have too many toys that keep them in the police cars. I wish I could take you down to the station to talk to the younger guys. Your hard work and service to our community is what laid the foundation for us who now reap the benefits, the younger guys have no idea! You have made my day, thank you!”

Our older resident, radiating with holiness and humbled by the praise, softly but firmly said, “Oh, it’s nothing. Just did my job.” Then he smiled as a tear came to his eye.