Random Acts of Kindness to Gulfport Police

Gulfport police officers put their lives on the line every day, not expecting a pat on the back. But lately, someone has been taking notice.

“When I got ready to pay my bill, I got this note from my waitress…had profound impact on me that day.” Gulfport Police Lieutenant, Jeff Necaise, says the act came at a key time. He had been feeling down, negatively impacted by stories he’s seen in the media. “And this right here really picked me up that day.”

These notes of appreciation and gift cards keep popping up in a recent anonymous drive of kindness toward cops. “I’ve had more people come up to me in the past six months than I have in my entire career here,” says Patrolman Benjamin Bentz. “And it’s people just saying, ‘Hey we appreciate you,’ or offering to pay for our meals and stuff like that.”

Officer Bentz keeps his note right on his sun visor as a constant reminder that people still care. “They want us to know that hey you’re still appreciated and it lifts you up a little bit throughout the day.”

At a time when ongoing public scrutiny takes a toll on many officers, simple hand written messages and spontaneous gifts help keep them tuned in to what really matters. “It makes it worthwhile,” says Bentz. “It really puts me back in my place and keeps me focused on the job…the real reason I’m here is help those who can’t help themselves and enforce laws.”