Two years ago, Officer Dena Walker Pauly was working for the Lawrenceville Police Department in Lawrenceville, Georgia when she responded to a call to a local pawn shop that is run by a man named Bob. During the call, Dena got to talking to Bob about his past, and she was so touched by his story that she soon went above and beyond to become one of the most important people in his life.

Shannon Volkodav, a friend of Dena’s who is also a cop, shared her story on social media because she wanted the world to see how kindhearted police officers actually are.

“We are drawn to this profession because we care,” Shannon wrote. “We care so deeply that it hurts sometimes. We see the worst, but sometimes we also get to see the best. And we have opportunities to truly make a difference for people.”

Dena learned that Bob had no family or friends, and that he had been homeless on his own for most of his life. Making matters worse, he had suffered a stroke that had left him largely non-verbal. Dena could sense how lonely Bob was as soon as she walked into the pawn shop that day, and she knew she had to do something to help him.

Even though Dena had a full-time job and a family of her own to support, she took in Bob as if he was family.

“My sweet friend arrived at the pawn shop and was also unsure how to assist Bob, but she sensed he needed help and offered to take him home so he could show her what he needed,” Shannon explained.  “She was horrified when she saw Bob’s living conditions.”

Dena first taught Bob some basic sanitation skills that most people learn as children, and she then started checking up on him as often as possible. She would often stop to clean his apartment and chat with him as she did so.

Bob soon fell seriously ill, and when it became clear that the end was near, Dena obtained a Power of Attorney to handle his medical care. When his health continued to deteriorate, Dena made the difficult decision to place him in hospice care.

“She held his hand and told him many times that she loved him,” Shannon said. “It’s quite possible she’s the first person to ever utter those words to this poor man.”

As Dena sat holding Bob’s hand giving him the strength to transition from one life to the next, a photo was snapped that has since gone viral.

“I’ve never been more proud of any friend than I was today of Dena Walker Pauly,” Shannon said. “It’s hard for her to say goodbye to Bob. I told him he’s changed her life forever because I know it’s true.”

Bob did end up passing away, and both Shannon and Dena agree that while it was hard to say goodbye, they think he will finally find the loving home he always craved in Heaven. Shannon concluded her story with a reminder that everyone needs to see.

“Please also remember to pray for cops,” she wrote. “This photo depicts the true nature of law enforcement officers.” It’s hard to fathom that someone could get to be Bob’s age and have no one in his life, but knowing that there are police officers like Dena out there is a comfort. This is one cop who truly understands what it means to protect and serve.”

God bless Dena and ALL American police officers.