Police officer pulled over a man who reminded him of his late son — his request broke the driver's heart

The men hugged each other and were in tears after listening to the officer's story.

PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO

(L) A man inside a car looking out of his window. (R) A police officer pulling over a car. Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels | Ron Lach; Kindel Media

Some people might find comfort in strangers in unexpected ways. Similarly, a police officer found comfort in a man he had pulled over. The officer had stopped the person after noticing the bumper sticker on their car. The cop talked to the person for a while and both of them were left in tears at the end of the conversation. The person, William Jazwinski, shared the incident on a now-deleted Facebook post, which was reshared by Love What Matters.

A police officer talking to a man inside a car. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Kindel Media

Jazwinski thought that he was speeding and asked the officer if he was at fault when he was pulled over. "Good morning, no, not speeding. Just wanted to stop you and say thank you for your service," the police officer told the man, referring to his service in the military. "Oh, the bumper sticker, nice. You're welcome, sir. My pleasure," Jazwinski told the officer. He asked him where he served. "I went to Iraq. Did a 15 monther. Out of Ft Benning." The officer revealed, "Well, alright. My son went to Iraq. He didn't make it home." The man expressed that he was sorry to hear that and had just finished a PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) Program himself. "I see you have a flag in the truck. The one we got for him! Well, it's at the house," the officer pointed out.

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"Can I ask a question?" the officer asked. "Do you mind stepping out and receiving a hug. You remind me of my son. I pulled you over. I thought you were him. I still don't believe it on most days that he's gone." Both of them had tears in their eyes as the man got out of his car and gave the officer a big hug. "I'm talking about crying for a minute or two. Down to our knees, crying. I needed that," the man shared. He continued, "To all the family and friends of soldiers, fighting or done fighting, God bless you. Your peace and your heart. It's so hard without them, I know. This road is a tremendous one. Love to all."

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Understanding PTSD, getting help and getting support from family and friends can make a big difference for anyone suffering from trauma, per the National Centre for PTSD. Cognitive behavior-based therapies are considered the most effective, according to The Journal of Missouri State Medical Association. People shared their thoughts on the incident in the comments section of the post. Toni Tschampion wrote, "These two men met for a reason: to give love and comfort to one another. I do not believe in coincidences. God bless both men and their families. Praying knowing his son is always resting in peace and free from harm gives his father & family some comfort."

Two men hugging each other. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay

Barbara Osborn commented, "My hubby and I were headed out of town. We were running a Purple Heart tag. A Police Officer stopped us to thank my husband for his service and to tell him he received a Purple Heart, also. I will never forget that young officer. My husband was overwhelmed. My husband passed away from Vietnam Agent Orange." Deb Grooms remarked, "My dad passed away from Agent Orange. He died in 2007. He was in Vietnam when I was in eighth grade. The longest year of my life was when he was there and now he's gone and sometimes it's unbearable."