Yeah, well done Brian. I had an officer pull me over when I was in my early 20s. I went ripping by him on my GSXR750 in town at probably about 75 in a 35 zone. I had a brutal argument with my ex-fiance and was just all messed up.
When I saw the lights behind me I was just like "great, one more thing."
Funniest part was I shut off the bike, and just ass I shut it off he (5'4" Blond Cop) was just about at the bike in a raised voice shouting out my offenses. 75 in a 35 careless driving (front wheel was in the air a little) and was over all NOT pleased with my behavior.
Well as I pulled off my helmet all the young guy angst, frustration, and worry all came to the surface and I just lost it. Burst into tears as I stepped off the bike. Well this poor guy just didn't know how to react. Was kinda funny really, I am sure that this isn't what he expected. 6'1" guy with long hair and a tough guy beard just pulling his helmet off and crying like a little kid.
He actually stepped back a few steps. Had to be a pretty funny scene really. He asked me what the problem was and I explained through sobs what my situation was. New semester starting, fight with the fiance' etc...
He was awesome. Had me step over to the curb and have a seat. Even said go ahead when I asked if I could light a cigarette. So there I was sitting all pathetic on the side of the road and the Officer steps outta his car bringing me my license back. He asked if I was thinking about hurting myself, and I said NO I'm fine.
He replied with "Go ahead and just relax right here, take as much time as you need to compose yourself, have another cigarette, I've got a lot of paperwork to catch up on and I'll just sit right there (motioning to his cruiser) until your ready to go."
Was just really unexpected and appreciated. I sat there through a another smoke got myself together and got back on the bike.
He didn't give me a ticket, he was genuinely compassionate, and that was completely unexpected and exactly what I needed. Helped me out and may have prevented me from riding angry for too much longer and making a mistake there.
SO good on ya, sounds like you were able to help someone who really felt helpless.
be careful out there,my wife's a dispatcher and I have alot of leo friends that I worry about constantly because people are at thier limits now a days... people like you are hard to come by and lord knows we need more like you that will take the time to help instead of turning a blind eye
