When police officers swear to serve and protect, it does not necessarily follow that they will only do so when on duty. Aside from this, they would also make sure that they would help not only humans but also animals in need. This oath becomes a part of a police officer’s identity when they don their uniform and take their oath.
Officer Kareem Garibaldi is a remarkable example and living proof of this. The cop is a member of the Lakeland Police Department in Florida, where he is regarded as one of the most tenacious employees. When his viral photo was taken, he was actually on his third day of working 12-hour shifts.
His photobomber was a pit bull and boxer mix that he rescued from the streets. The night before, Officer Garibaldi nearly struck the unfortunate puppy with his police car. Because the puppy, who was only a few weeks old, did not have a collar, the concerned officer searched the area for his owner.
Officer Garibaldi also posted a photo of the dog on his Facebook page in an effort to attract the notice of the owner. After many hours of hunting for the owner, he returned to the station to provide the dog with food and warmth. Officer Garibaldi permitted the dog to remain at the station during the remainder of his shift.
The police had hoped that the dog’s owners would call him, but no one did. Even though he was fatigued, he drove the puppy to the SPCA Florida Medical Center so that veterinarians could examine its health.
The cop fell asleep in the waiting area while awaiting the completion of the physicians’ tasks. Connie Johnson, one of the facility’s supervisors, decided to take a picture of the pair while they were both sound asleep. Connie had no idea when she posted the photo online that it would become viral.
It was fortunate that she posted the photo, as the puppy was adopted on the same day. Officer Garibaldi’s efforts were apparently not in vain.
Source: Inside Edition