‘A state trooper pulled me over. As I sputtered to apologize and waited for a ticket, he reached in to hand me five N95 masks. I burst into tears.’: Health care worker thanks state trooper for act of kindness, ‘We are going to be okay’

“A Minnesota State trooper pulled me over on I-35 this past weekend for driving above the speed limit. When he saw my Massachusetts driver’s license, he asked me what I was doing all the way out in Minnesota, so I told him I travel here every month for my work as a Locums Cardiologist.

He went back to his patrol car to look up my license, and when he returned, quite firmly told me it was very irresponsible of me to be speeding, especially since I would not only take up resources if I got into an accident, but would also not be in a position to help patients.

Feeling thoroughly chastised, I waited for him to write me a ticket. Instead, he told me he was going to let me off with a warning.

As I sputtered to apologize and say thank you, he reached in to hand me what I assumed was my license back. It wasn’t until my hand had closed around what he was giving me that its unexpected bulkiness drew my eyes to it.

Five N95 masks, from the supply the state had given him for his protection.

I burst into tears. And though it may just have been the cold wind, I think he teared up a little as well, before wishing me well and walking away.

Like all healthcare workers and emergency responders around the world, I have felt afraid of not having adequate protective equipment, and in my darkest moments, have worried about what would happen if I fell sick far from home.

This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking.

The veil of civilization may be thin, but not all that lies behind it is savage.

We are going to be ok.

I had been hesitant to identify him because I wasn’t sure if his incredibly kind gesture was within the Minnesota State Patrol ‘rules’, but it turns out they are as button-popping proud of him as they should be!

Thank you, Trooper Brian J Schwartz and Minnesota State Patrol, for having our backs!”

This story was written by Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua. The article originally appeared on Facebook here. Do you have a similar experience? We’d like to hear your important journey. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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