A police officer in Nebraska caught the nation’s attention after a security camera captured his attempt to fix a fallen American flag outside an auto repair shop. Noticing the flag on the ground while patrolling the city of Kearney on June 14, the officer approached and made the decision to intervene.
In the footage, shared by Kearney Tire & Auto Service on Facebook, the Kearney Police Department (KPD) officer retrieves the fallen American flag from the sidewalk before attempting to replace it into its holder. After realizing that the holder is damaged, the officer carefully rolls the flag and rests it against the wall of the auto repair shop.
Talking to The Epoch Times by email, the auto repair shop’s owners told that they appreciate the officer’s gesture more than words can say. “This speaks volumes to the entire KPD and other officers in the great state of Nebraska,” they said.
The auto repair shop staff wrote on Facebook: “I couldn’t be more proud of our officers on the KPD [Kearney Police Department]. We were out of town on Sunday and this kind officer stopped to rescue ol’ glory and show the respect it deserves when our holder broke.”
“We were called right away with the issue and we were so thankful,” the staff said. “We are blessed by each officer and hold them in the highest regard for all they do to keep us safe. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!”
The KPD responded on the department’s Facebook page by identifying the officer who stopped to retrieve the fallen flag as Officer Jeff Schwarz, and praised him for “doing the right thing when no one is looking.”
“This is KPD! Doing the right thing when no one is looking. That’s KPD Officer Jeff Schwarz, taking care of’ ‘old glory,’” the department noted. “Thanks for the kind words and support Kearney Tire & Auto Service!”
After the cam footage was shared online, Schwartz’s patriotic act garnered huge support from people nationwide. Kearney Tire & Auto Service staff reunited with the helpful officer and posed for a series of photos outside the shop.
The American flag, mended and flowing proudly in the breeze, was pictured behind them.
“We truly believe this country is filled with fine men and women who take the oath to serve and protect its citizens,” the shop owners told The Epoch Times.
“We needed this bit of positivity as we are all seeing such devastation and acts of disrespect for officers in other parts of this great country. God bless the U.S.A. and all who protect her yet today!” they said.
Watch the video below:
(Courtesy of Kearney Tire & Auto Service)
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