SANTA CRUZ, Calif — Now, that’s what I call serious public service … so here comes the explanation.
My wife and I were motoring away from an RV park on the Santa Cruz harbor. We took a couple of turns and headed north on Californian Highway 1; then we turned onto California 17, a stretch of highway between Santa Cruz and Los Gatos that makes the locals grind their teeth … or so I have been told over the years.
Suddenly, we decided we needed to pull over and take care of an issue regarding our travel trailer. We found a wide spot on the shoulder of the highway, pulled over, turned on our emergency flashers. My wife jumped out to tend to the business that needed tending.
While we were stopped, a California Highway Patrol officer pulled in behind us. No lights were flashing. No outward display that he was on an emergency call. He just sat there.
My bride finished her work. She came back to the truck. I turned the emergency flashing lights off and headed onto the northbound highway.
Then I noticed the CHP officer patrol cruiser already in traffic, running interference for us. He flashed his headlights to let me know it was safe to merge into traffic,
Is this a big deal? No, it isn’t. However, it speaks to the kind of public service many of us often take for granted. Rogue police officers get plenty of criticism for when they mess up; too often their misbehavior results in tragedy.
It occurred to me that perhaps this officer noticed we were from out of state and wanted to demonstrate some extra hospitality to visitors — even if they come from Texas.
Those who perform routine and random acts of kindness, such as what the CHP officer showed my wife and me do not get any kind of recognition.
That is why I want to take particular note of what we experienced on a California highway.
To that officer, whoever you are … thank you.