[ad_1]
Screenshot / Somerset Police Department
Police Officer Matt Lima of the Somerset Police Department in Massachusetts, USA.
Christmas is a time of giving, and that is exactly what a United States police officer did to help a family in need during the holiday season.
Last month, Massachusetts Police Officer Matt Lima responded to a call about robberies at a grocery store in Somerset. But instead of arresting those involved, Lima bought them their Christmas dinner.
When he arrived at the store, Lima spoke with a staff member who told him that two women with two young children were allegedly not scanning all of their groceries before putting them in shopping bags at the self-service checkout, according to a statement on the website. of the Somerset Police Department. .
When asked, the family said they had been through difficult times. They had tried to take extra food with them that they couldn’t afford because they wanted to make Christmas dinner for their children.
READ MORE:
* Family makes community Christmas lunch a tradition
* American parents want police fired for pointing guns at them when their daughter stole a doll
* Approximately 300 people fill Caroline Bay Hall for the Timaru Community Christmas Dinner
* Police officer buys supplies for the family after mom of six was caught stealing
The police officer gave them a “no trespassing” order but did not press charges as all the items on the receipt were for food, according to the statement.
Lima then bought the women $ 250 gift cards with her own money so they could buy food for Christmas dinner at another store.
“The two children with the women reminded me of my children, so I had to help them,” Lima said in the statement.
“They were very grateful, they were a bit surprised. I am sure that many people in the same situation would think that there was going to be a different result, and maybe they would be arrested or they would have to go to court, ”Lima told the WJAR media outlet.
Chief George McNeil said the incident was a true testament to Lima’s great character and decision-making.
“I would like to personally congratulate Officer Lima for his actions,” McNeil said in the statement.
“Your actions exemplify what it means to protect and serve members of our community. When faced with a difficult situation where a family was trying to provide food for their children, he made the generous decision not to press charges and instead made sure they had a Christmas dinner that they could enjoy. “
Lima’s act of generosity has made headlines in the media around the world, and even caught the attention of musician Gene Simmons of the band Kiss.
