Police chief has a priceless reaction to body cam footage of a Tennessee officer falling off a porch — and the internet can’t get enough
A little humor can make even an embarrassing mishap bring people together. Earlier this month, Sgt. Bennett of the Monterey Police Department responded to a residential call that appeared no different from any other. Within hours, however, the department found itself addressing an unusual situation that drew public attention as the footage of it was shared through a Facebook post on February 8, 2026. As reported by PEOPLE, the police chief later made light of the officer’s bruised pride after an unexpected porch fall during the response. The fall was humorously labeled a “Rapid Tactical Descent,” and the chief added that the move was carried out “flawlessly.”
The department uploaded footage to its official Facebook page and shared a written message from Chief Mackie. The clip showed the officer stepping out of the house when he suddenly lost his footing on the stairs and fell into a flower bed to the side. In the statement, the chief said, “Earlier this evening, Sgt. Bennett conducted an unscheduled structural integrity test on a residential porch within city limits.” After what was described as a “thorough investigation,” the findings were listed clearly: “The porch remains standing. Sgt. Bennett’s pride did not. Gravity continues to be undefeated.”
Officials reassured residents that no porches were harmed during the incident. The department’s choice to present the fall in this way quickly gained attention, with many praising the light tone and creative wording used in the announcement.
A second post, titled “From the Body Cam of Sgt. Bennett,” continued the lighthearted tone. It went on to describe the scene in a humorous way, mentioning a decorative flamingo in the yard, a flower bed that got in the way, and even a misplaced garden gnome, helping readers better understand how the fall unfolded. The update on his condition was brief and honest: “The leg is, in fact, not broken. The pride absolutely is.” The department also confirmed that Sgt. Bennett returned to work without restrictions, adding that when it came to light duty, the chief “laughed and said no.”
Support soon arrived from other departments and even strangers. The Livingston Police Department sent a package filled with small pink flamingos and included a note reading, “We are glad you are okay and in fact, did not break your leg.” In the days that followed, Sgt. Bennett began receiving letters and gifts from places such as Ireland, France, and Australia.
In a follow-up post, he can be seen smiling while opening fan mail and holding everything adorable, from flamingo-themed items now associated with the incident to even a bandage box. In another light remark shared in his voice, he said, “I stand by my actions. I do not stand by that porch.” The department has confirmed he is fully recovered, and the incident continues to bring smiles to many who followed the story.
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