NEW ORLEANS – If you have been to a Mardi Gras parade in the Big Easy, you have probably seen a dancing New Orleans police officer busting a move. But one officer did something that left a huge impact on one Northshore family.
Earlier this month, Simon Pengelly, his wife Hilary and their three children were at the Krewe of Pontchartrain parade. While the family of five from Covington were waiting for the parade to arrive, the kids decided to have fun on the parade route.
"They wanted to play in the road. My husband and I were visiting with the officer, just hanging out," Hilary said.
That's when the magic happened.
Officer Brandon Anderson challenged the kids to a race. During one of the three sprints, Anderson picked up one of child and helped him cross the finish line. It was a small act, but Hilary said it left a huge impression.
"It made my heart smile to see these kids buddying up with these cops, loving on them, having a great time. It gives me hope," she said.
Hilary said the scene gave her hope that one day officers will be seen in a more positive light.
"Realize that it's OK to interact with them, talk to them. They're people just like us," Hilary said.
Officer Anderson says he was just doing his job.
"At the time, it was something I was just doing to kill time waiting for the parade to start," Anderson said. "We're all about community policing here."