Another Side to Police Officers

Police bashing seems to be in vogue for the ‘90s. It’s bad enough the felons receive most of the sympathy these days. It’s even worse when stories regarding the unrequited compassion our peace officers give don’t make the front page.

In 1986, Long Beach Police Officers Jim Hill and Mike Minton were called to a store where the manager wanted to prosecute a mother for stealing clothes for her children. Officer Hill went to an ATM, returned, paid for the clothing, gave the woman $20 and a ride home. Shortly thereafter, the same two officers treated a homeless man to a steak dinner, and while at a baseball game, off-duty Officer Hill paid for hats and T-shirts for two boys because he overheard their mother saying she couldn’t afford it. He told her the vendor donated the items.

Let us ingrain memories like these in our minds, rather than a few ugly, isolated incidents.

Jim Hill died April 24 after a lengthy illness.

Your friends, family and all the citizens of Long Beach will miss you terribly, Jimmy. Rest peacefully and watch over all of us just as you’ve always done.

C. ANNE TROPIEC

Long Beach