A simple act of kindness and respect can go a long way, especially when a family is dealing with the loss of a loved one. As a funeral procession for a police officer, Capt. Paul Phillips went by, one UPS driver felt compelled to act.
He pulled over and got out of his truck to stand while the funeral procession drove by.
Some people in the procession noticed what he did and took a photo of it. They were amazed at his kindness, and while he didn’t think anyone watching, the family members of the police officer noticed his gesture and appreciated it.
Haley Smith, who was part of the procession, took the photo and shared it on social media.
She wanted the UPS driver to see it and know that it meant a lot to the family and friends of the police officer. She posted:
“While I was in a professional for a fallen officer here in Bartlett, TN, I saw this guy on the side of the road. @ups this guy showed amazing respect. Thank you, stranger. Aaron Smith The processional was for Captain Paul Phillips who faithfully served our community with the BARTLETT POLICE DEPARTMENT.”
Her photos and post got a lot of response.
People had plenty of positive things to say about the photo and the UPS driver.
Fox News followed the story and wrote:
“As the procession for Captain Paul Phillips was making its way through Bartlett, Tennessee, it passed a UPS truck on the side of the road. The driver, who has not been identified, stood beside his vehicle in a solemn stance with his arms behind his back.”
The post was shared thousands of times.
Capt. Paul Phillips served the Bartlett Police Department for more than 25 years. He died on July 11. The Bartlett Police Department posted a photo and some kind words about the officer, saying:
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we notify the community of the passing of Captain Paul Phillips. Captain Phillips faithfully served our community with the Bartlett Police Department since January 1st, 1992. He passed away in the morning of July 11, 2018, at his home. Always joking and eager to make everyone laugh, Captain Phillips was loved by everyone who knew him. Please remember to keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
It’s clear that Phillips was very special to a lot of people.
He worked alongside many police officers in his career and helped make the community a better place. A fellow officer wrote:
“You were a friend and mentor to many, and your sense of humor was legendary among those who knew you. On behalf of your brothers and sisters in blue, we offer our love and sympathy to your family, friends, and loved ones…Rest easy, sir. We have the watch from here.”
While the UPS driver may not have known officer Phillips personally, he knew the officer deserved respect. The UPS driver was later identified as Aaron Smith, who also lives in Bartlett, Tennessee. He had heard about the passing of the officer, and when he saw the funeral going through, he knew it must be for the officer.
Little did he know that his photo would become viral and the family would appreciate his small act of kindness so much.
This should inspire others to do the right thing. Don’t just do it because you think someone is taking photos, though; do it because you never know who is watching and could be going through something terrible, that a small act of kindness could help.
It doesn’t always take something huge to change the world. Sometimes, just something small can make a big difference and inspire others to do the same. That’s how kindness spreads. In this case, it helped bring a little cheer to those who were grieving the loss of a great man.
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While I was in a processional for a fallen officer here in Bartlett, TN, I saw this guy on the side of the road. @ups…
Posted by Haley Harris Smith on Tuesday, July 17, 2018
