The police motto is “to protect and serve.” But there are times that it manifests in ways we don’t always think of. Officer Julio Ortiz saw someone in need. And that need was for a hug, comfort and understanding. So that is exactly what Officer Ortiz provided. He saw a little boy with autism who was struggling and having a really hard day. This boy has gone through 24 surgeries in his life and starting a new school was completely overwhelming. But there, on his first day, while he was having such a hard time, Officer Ortiz noticed, and got right down to his level to hug him. He probably could have asked a teacher to comfort the student or someone else, but he didn’t. He saw that help was needed, and he provided it. And there is no question that for this little boy, Officer Ortiz protected, and he served.
