**South Florida Officer Goes Above and Beyond to Help Homeless Woman in West Palm Beach**
WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) — A South Florida police officer lent a helping hand to a woman who was in desperate need of support. West Palm Beach Police Officer Gesner Michel went above and beyond to assist a homeless woman facing difficult times.
While on duty, Officer Michel, who finds his work fulfilling, met the woman and immediately befriended her. “You wake up every morning and you know you’re meeting new people and you get a chance to give people hope,” he said. “I made contact with that person—let me rephrase—not person, my new friend.”
The woman shared that she was looking for a job but was struggling to make progress. That’s when Officer Michel stepped in to give her that extra boost of encouragement. “Hope is giving someone that extra boost, that extra chance, you know, just to say, ‘Hey, it’s not that I hope things get better, I know things will get better,’” he explained.
Showing compassion, Officer Michel took her out for a warm meal. “We’re going to get you some food, OK? It’s on me today. I feel good today. You’re making me happy, so I’m going to make you even more happy,” he told her.
During their time together, Michel helped the woman obtain a new identification card and even found her a place to sleep for the night. “At least we know we got a bed, right? Did I not say we weren’t going to get something?” the officer joked with her.
The woman was deeply grateful for his kindness and assistance. “She was just so grateful. She was surprised, you know, that I took the time to help her and I told her it was not a problem, it’s normal for me,” said Michel.
Looking ahead, Officer Michel is now focused on helping his new friend secure a job. “She says she’s a really good waitress, so if anyone in West Palm Beach would like to hire somebody, she’ll be ready,” he said.
Officer Michel hopes to continue making a positive impact in his community. “‘Cause I live by paying it forward,” he shared.
Michel has proudly served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for seven years.