A man arrested for driving under the influence sent an unusual letter to the police department that put him behind bars.
When Chief Brandon Perkins of the Tyrone Police Department in Tyrone, GA, opened the letter, he was stunned to discover that it wasn’t negative. Instead, it was a thank-you to Sgt. Jacob Collins for stopping him that day.
While it's not unusual for neighborhood residents to thank their police force for saving lives, like the child from Michigan who baked cookies for officers, one of this nature certainly is.
“He saved my life and the lives of others, and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts,” the letter reads. “I must emphasize that he was very polite and professional and did not provoke with intimidation. He treated me fairly, and I never felt ridiculed or threatened.”
Chief Perkins told Fox 5 Atlanta that this letter is a "testament to what law enforcement does every day."
Read the full letter below…
Chief Brandon Perkins has received letters from residents of Tyrone, GA, thanking the department for solving a crime or lending a helping hand in the time of need.
But, he was shocked when he opened a letter from a man who was grateful to the Tyrone police officer who arrested him.
The letter (shown below) recalls the nonviolent moment Sgt. Jacob Collins detained the unidentified man for driving under the influence.
"I write to express my thanks and gratitude to Officer Jacob Collins.
"Officer Collins pulled me over on Highway 74 during the morning of July 31, 2015. I was severely intoxicated. He saved my life and the lives of others, and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts. I must emphasize that he was very polite and professional and did not provoke with intimidation. He treated me fairly, and I never felt ridiculed or threatened."
It also shows support for police officers who follow proper protocol but aren't often highlighted in the news.
"I have nothing to gain from contacting you. I have already been to court and received my punishments. I contact you because the media and public opinion are saturated with images of officers using excessive force. Officers are constantly on the defensive. The public does not want to acknowledge proper procedures; the public merely wants to see an officer make a mistake to keep the argument and the social media images flowing. You all need to know that what you do every day matters, and we appreciate it.
"I do not like being on probation, and I do not enjoy paying a series of fines, fees and insurance hikes; however, I am grateful to be alive. I thank Officer Collins and your entire department."
Chief Perkins believes the letter simply emphasizes what officers do every single day on the job.
"This is kind of a testament to what law enforcement does every day," Chief Perkins told Fox 5 Atlanta. "Our job is to go out and make sure people are safe, that is what Collins was doing that night and the end result was the driver is safe, he did not hurt anyone and the message was sent, that is what we are here to do."
Please SHARE if you're glad to see a positive letter like this in a time when the police force receives a lot of negative press!
