Four police officers frequently have dinner at the Eat N’ Park restaurant in Homestead, Pennsylvania. They’re often greeted with handshakes and appreciation for their service.

But this night things were different. When a server started to lead another couple over to sit near the policemen, the man told the server he didn’t want to sit by them and asked to be seated on the other side of the restaurant.

One of the police officers, Chuck Thomas, says he looked over at the man and said, “It’s okay sir. You won’t have to worry about it. We won’t hurt you.” The man still refused to sit there.

The officers say they are aware of the tensions between police officers and citizens so they decided to rise above the encounter and pay the couple’s bill. The note written on the receipt read, “Sir, your check was paid for by the police officers you didn’t want to sit next to. Thank you for your support.”

Thomas says the goal was to let the couple know that police officers serve and protect the community and are not the enemy. “We’re here for you,” he said. “We work for the public and we just want to better the relationship between the community and the police.”

The gesture must have worked too because as the officers left the restaurant, one of the people whose meal they had paid for smiled and said thank you.

It might have been just one little act, but hopefully it can start something even bigger. Check out the video below and be sure to share it with your family and friends.