TEMECULA: Another deputy caught in the act, again – Random Acts of Kindness
Deputy Gurganious and the unidentified man he helped purchase some new clothes. Pamela Johnson photo
TEMECULA – An unexpected, chance encounter between a Temecula Police motor officer and a man who appeared “down on his luck” left all those who saw the random act of kindness touched and uplifted by what they witnessed.
The deputy’s kindness will not soon be forgotten by either men, those who were there or those who hear about the memorable moment between the two men.
The incident was caught on camera by Pamela Johnson on the afternoon of March 15.
Johnson, whose husband is also a motor officer, explained what she saw in a Facebook post.
“I was going into the Salvation Army in Temecula this morning and saw a motor officer parked out front. I initially thought this was my husband but after passing him to get to my parking spot, I soon realized it wasn’t.”
As Johnson approached the deputy, identified as Deputy Gurganious from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Temecula Police Station, she said hello as she walked past him. According to Johnson, Gurganious greeted her back warmly with a friendly smile.
Deputy Gurganious of the Temecula Police Department helps a man shop for some new clothes, which he then paid for. Pamela Johnson photo
“After greeting me, Gurganious looked over and saw a man walking towards him. The man looked like he had seen better days,” Johnson said.
As the man, who did not want to be identified, approached Gurganious, Johnson heard the deputy say, “Alright (name omitted), let’s do this.”
Johnson’s first thought was that the man was about to be in some sort of trouble that the deputy was there to handle.
As Johnson was watching, the two men walked together into the store. As they entered the business, Johnson overheard Gurganious say to the man, “Let’s get you some clothes.” Johnson watched as Gurganious took his time, helping the man pick out some clothing items, which Gurganious then paid for in full.
Johnson was so touched by what she saw she asked if she could take a few pictures, which the two men happily agreed to.
“I know this lovely and kind act isn’t limited to Deputy Gurganious alone. There are countless men and women of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department who have generously given and haven’t had the luck of having their pictures taken,” Johnson said. “Still others would rather remain anonymous in their giving.”
Deputy Johnson and the unidentified man he helped were all smile after the touching encounter. Pamela Johnson photo
Johnson later said she felt fortunate enough to be in the right place, at the right time to be able to witness and pass on “this heartfelt deed that reflects the heart of Deputy Gurganious.”
This act not only represents the dedicated deputies who work in the city of Temecula from the sheriff’s Southwest Station, but all the other deputies and law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to not only keeping our communities safe, but it also shined a light on those countless deputies who personally give back to the citizens they serve every single day.
“God bless the men and women behind the badge, their hard work and humanity has made us all a safer and better community,” Johnson said about the random act of kindness she and others were fortunate enough to witness.
My report, as featured on Q-103.3 on iheartradio.com:
Contact the writer: [email protected]
On the photo you have Gurganious identified as Deputy Johnson
Thank you so much! That is what happens when I am up past 5 a.m. working on articles. Much appreciated.
-TM