Man thanks Puyallup police officer for possibly saving his life

Negative stories of tensions with law enforcement routinely show up in news outlets, but one Pierce County man believes that a Puyallup police officer may have saved his life.

About two weeks ago, Justin was in a bad place. After stopping himself from attempting suicide, he went to check into a local hospital, but then — feeling too humiliated at the situation he was in — left the facility and went to an AM/PM for gas.

It was at the gas station that Justin met the police officer by chance, and asked if they could speak together.

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“I started to well up, which is also kind of difficult, to be a grown man, you know, in tears,” Justin said.

The officer, who Justin referred to as Mark, comforted Justin, giving him a shoulder and talking him through some of his difficulties.

“I just needed someone to talk to and distract me a little bit,” Justin said.

Mark told Justin that there was a mental health facility nearby to which he could check himself in. At first Justin turned down the idea, but at last he agreed when Mark offered to come along with him.

“He really insisted on going with me, and I’m glad that he did,” Justin said.

Unfortunately, due to insurance difficulties, Justin was unable to check in to the facility, but the officer stayed with him to boost his spirits with some humor. When Justin told the cop about some of the tough issues going on in his life, Mark even made a few jokes about his own in-laws to make Justin feel better.

“I’m glad that he stopped for a few moments to tell me a couple of jokes — I appreciate the attempt at trying to relate to me and my problems,” Justin said.

Mark remained with Justin until Justin told him that the worst had passed.

“He was just really positive and it actually made me feel better, that I was able to be a good part of his day, or at least for him to know that he probably made a good difference,” Justin said.

Now Justin hopes that the Puyallup police officer can hear from the Dori Monson Show how grateful he is for the kindness he was shown — especially since, all too often in this day and age, law enforcement officers are the recipients of unfavorable publicity.

“I think a lot of people have this paranoia about cops that they’re out to get them … but for the most part, I think they’re all pretty good guys,” Justin said. “And I was pretty glad I ran into Mark that day.”

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