Kansas Police Officer Helps Widowed Wife and Her Daughters

Heads up: I like to feature "Good Cop" stories for Happy News Over Angry Music. Bad cops (understandably) get a lot of press. Good cops don't get enough.

So here we have the story of a widow - Sarah - and her six daughters. They've struggled mightily since her husband died in 2012. They lost their house and had to call a van their home...and then said van was robbed.

A desperate Sarah shoplifted a Walmart of bare necessities for her daughters. Hardened criminals go for electronics and jewelry (i.e. expensive merchandise) whereas Sarah lifted diapers, wipes, shoes, and clothes. She still broke the law, of course.

Enter the responding officer, Mark Engravalle. He (quite legally) could have hauled her off to jail and sent the kids to foster care. Instead, Mr Engravalle went far above and beyond the call of duty. He went inside that Walmart and purchased the necessities that were stolen.

Justice purists note: Sarah was still cited for shoplifting, as required of a police officer. She did still break the law.

But this officer should absolutely be commended for his compassion, and that's what makes this today's Happy News Over Angry Music story.

The Kansas City Star has the full story.