A Police Sergeant's Act Of Kindness Inspires A Westchester Community

YONKERS, NY — From saving lives to putting themselves in harm's way to protect others, there are countless times that Yonkers police have proven themselves heroes, but in this case, a simple act of empathy and compassion made all the difference.

The Yonkers Police Department took a moment to highlight the kind of public service that doesn't often make the nightly news, but sets the third largest city in New York apart from other communities.

When Sergeant Jill Odierno was helping with a clothing drive, she wasn’t expecting to spark a lasting friendship with a mom and her young son.

This holiday tale started when Odierno coordinated with Dorado Apartments and Project Connect to have a clothing drive for those in need of winter apparel this year. While there, she saw a woman, Genesis, and her son, 2-year-old Aiden, sifting through items. They were about to leave when she noticed that Aiden didn't have a jacket on. Sgt Odierno asked where his jacket was and was told they could not find a jacket in Aiden’s size.

It broke Odierno’s heart to see a child without a jacket during this time of year, so she took matters into her own hands, found out Aiden’s size, and when all the other families left the event, she went to The Children's Place in the Cross County Shopping Center and purchased a winter jacket, hat, and gloves for Aiden.

Sgt. Odierno and her team (Officers Serrano and Reyes) went to the family's home and delivered the new winter outerwear later that day.

Police brass said that while Odierno and her team didn't seek attention for their act of kindness, there was an informant in their midst.

"This is what we do — small, genuine acts of kindness that mean the world to individuals in our community," YPD said, sharing the heart-warming story, just in time for the holidays. "Things like this happen all the time — our officers just usually move on to their next assignment with a smile on their face. Luckily for us, Sgt. Odierno’s boss found out about her good deed and tipped us off — so we wanted to make sure she got the recognition she deserves."

In a social media post, the department said that this particular holiday gift is one everyone can enjoy. And this special gesture is already being paid forward — the comments section of the post is full of neighbors asking how they can emulate the simple gesture of selflessness.

"We are beyond glad to help those in need," the YPD said. "And just as proud to be able to highlight the great work of our members!"