A Hillsborough County deputy was dispatched to a home for a 911 call on Wednesday for an unexpected incident.
Instead of an emergency, Deputy Pracht found himself in the midst of a great lesson and a heartwarming situation.
When he arrived at the home shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, he was told by a mother who explained that her son had called authorities â not for an emergency, but for something we all need sometimes â a hug.
âDid you call this gentleman? Did you call the police?â the mother asked her son when the deputy arrived.
Prachtâs body camera and the motherâs Ring doorbell captured the endearing moment the boy ran through the front door to hug the deputy and proudly explained he knew how to contact him.
âWell, I wanted to give him a hug,â the boy replied and proceeded to hug Pracht. âI know what your phone number is â itâs 9-1-1,â he said.
Deputy Pracht hugged the young boy but also took the time to gently explain that 911 is used for emergencies, ensuring the child knew the importance of the emergency number.
âYeah, but do you know what thatâs for? Itâs if youâre in trouble, if you need help, or if somebody you know is around you and thatâs in trouble and needs help. Itâs very important. You have to be careful when you call that number, okay?â Pracht explained.
At the end of the deputyâs visit, he relayed the cute incident to his fellow deputies, saying, a âkid got on the phone playing. Just wanted a hug.â
âWe deeply appreciate the genuine kindness shown by this young child. Our deputies are more than willing to share a hug and spread love to children in our community. However, itâs essential for everyone to remember that 911 is a lifeline for emergencies,â Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. âWe are here to help, and we encourage parents and educators to teach children about the appropriate use of emergency services.â
The sheriffâs office said that while 911 is reserved for emergencies only, deputies are âhappy to hugâ residents at the upcoming annual HCSO Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 29.
Source: WFLA