Calgary police officer posts his thanks on social media after anonymous motorist paid for his meal

CALGARY A social media shout-out from a grateful Calgary police officer has generated a wave of goodwill.

The anonymous officer had stopped for a meal at a southwest eatery. When he went to pay, he learned the occupants of the vehicle ahead of him had covered his meal, while passing along thanks for the work done by police.

Moved by the gesture, especially during a difficult time for officers in the wake of deadly attacks on police south of the border, the constable took to social media with a heartfelt thank you.

The post was shared on the Calgary Police Service Facebook page Tuesday, and has already racked up more than 1,000 likes and a number of comments showing appreciation for local officers.

Below is the thank you note the officer posted:

“Thank you to an anonymous motorist …..

“Today I stopped in at a wellknown ice cream establishment on Bow Trail S.W. for an overdue, and much needed, break. The anonymous occupants of the vehicle ahead of me paid for my meal and asked the staff member to pass along their thanks for the work we do. Although I was nobody’s hero today, law enforcement as a profession has been challenged by recent events. With heightened vigilance and steadfast determination, we continue to stand up against those who would choose to victimize our friends, our neighbours, our families, our community.

“Your gesture today, was intended to be a thank you to this organization. My wish, is that ‘our’ story will remind Calgarians that we rely on each other.

“Thank you for your generosity and your show of support.

“‘The police are the public and the public are the police’ — Sir Robert Peele

“Signed — an equally anonymous Constable.”