To say that a life in law enforcement can be stressful is an understatement. Each day can involve harrowing situations that require you to make split-second decisions with your life and the lives of those you've sworn to protect on the line.
But the most memorable parts of the job aren't always the life-and-death situations. Sometimes, the small, quiet moments are the most rewarding. And in this day and age, those moments are often times captured on video.
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As 2022 ends, OFFICER Magazine looks back at some of the police videos that made us laugh and left us with a warm feeling inside (even as temperatures are plummeting outside).
Phoenix Officers Buy Shoes, Clothes for Man 'Down on His Luck'
The Phoenix Police Department released body camera footage that captured two officers helping a man they found outside a bank without shoes on a cold night.
Calif. Police Officer Shows off Musical Skills with Stolen Ukulele
In a video posted by the Rocklin Police Department, an officer used a possibly stolen ukulele recovered during an arrest to put on an impromptu concert.
On-Duty San Diego Officer on Accordion Jams with Musicians
"It was one of the best experiences I've had working here with the San Diego Police Department," said Officer Gary Gonzales about the impromptu musical performance while enforcing bonfire regulations.
Ark. Police Pull Man from Ledge of Parking Garage
Body camera footage captured Little Rock police officers calmly talking to and then quickly grabbing a hearing impaired man from the edge of a parking deck ledge.
No Boat? No Worries: Family Lets Fla. Deputies Use One for Chase
When Volusia County sheriff's deputies needed to pursue a man on a stolen jet ski, they got help from an Ormond Beach family who let them borrow their boat to catch the suspect.
N.H. Police Officer Helps Student with His Tie at Graduation
While directing traffic during the Stevens High School graduation ceremony, Claremont Police Sgt. Tyler Petrin took a moment to help a boy with tying his tie.
Fla. Deputy Comforts Missing Man after Retention Pond Rescue
Orange County sheriff's deputies found an 81-year-old man in a retention pond after he had “left his residence without his medication" and gone missing.
Ala. Police Make Delivery to Family of Girl Killed by Fallen Tree
Birmingham police officers surprised the mother of a toddler who was killed when a tree fell on her by dropping off school supplies and clothing for her surviving children.
Boston Police Patrol Boat Rushes Stranded Groom to Wedding
After a Thompson Island ferry became disabled in Boston Harbor, a Boston police patrol boat saved the day for a groom and wedding party headed to the island for the ceremony.
Traffic Stop Turns Heartfelt as Conn. Trooper Helps Distressed Veteran
Connecticut State Police Trooper Kyle Kaelberer stopped to give a hand to an Army veteran on the side road. But he found that the biggest way he could help was by having a sympathetic ear.
Texas Officer Completes DoorDash Delivery after Stopping Driver
A man waiting for a dinner order to be delivered was greeted by an Alvin police officer who told him, "Your DoorDash driver's going to jail, but I wanted to get you your food."
Pa. Police Get Couple to Church on Time after Breaking Down
Even though their limo broke down on the way to the ceremony, a bride and groom had the good fortunate of having car trouble near the Moon Township Police Department.
LAPD Officers Deliver Baby Outside Gas Station
"Knowing that I was able to contribute in bringing a life to this world, I mean that alone is incomparable," said an LAPD officer who helped a woman give birth outside a Van Nuys gas station.
Mich. Police Help Stranded Disabled Man Get Home
When the battery on a disabled man's electric wheelchair died on his way home, he called 9-1-1, and Sterling Heights police and firefighters came to help.
