Gruff Cop Buys Bus Ticket, Food For Man Just Trying To Get Home

MARIETTA, GA -- A tough Marietta police officer who has seen more than enough of the downside of life showed his huge heart during a Sunday morning church service. According to a Facebook post by the Marietta police department, the officer, who does not know his story is being shared, struck up a conversation with a man who wandered into the church looking for help. The man, who police are only calling "John," came into the church carrying a few pieces of battered, weathered luggage.

The officer struck up a conversation with John, who did not appear to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, but instead was just someone who had been thrown a few hard curves from life itself. John told the officer he had been trying to take a bus to see his family in Indianapolis, but somehow he got mixed up and missed his connection in Atlanta. He was now stuck in Marietta without the money needed to finish his trip.

The officer quietly used his cell phone and bought a bus ticket for John, using his own money. Another Marietta officer then stopped by, and quietly ordered an Uber for John to get to a nearby Greyhound terminal. While helping John gather his luggage, the initial officer slipped him several small bills "to grab something from the vending machines before the bus departed Marietta."

Police said the officer has a long track record for finding and arresting criminals, and is often known for his gruff personality. "We wonder if anyone ever called to complain about his quiet demeanor over the years, and yet, here he was, taking these amazing series of actions on his own," the department said.