Bartlesville Police Officer Goes Beyond The Call Of Duty To Help 70-Year-Old Neighbor

A Bartlesville man is thanking a local officer after she lent him a helping hand when he needed it most.

At 70 years old, Jim Sutherland said his money has been tight lately, forcing him to do chores he usually doesn't do. 

"I usually get a lawn service that will come mow my grass for me, but my wife recently lost her job, so we are short on money, so I got out here to do it myself," Sutherland said.

Sutherland said he tried to mow his yard for hours in the weekend heat, with his mower in one hand and his walker in the other. 

"And I got half of it mowed, until the sun came out and I started getting dizzy-headed and nauseous," Sutherland explained. 

That's when Officer Sierra Compton saw him struggling, so she got out of her car and took over the job. 

"He looked like he was wobbly on his feet, just kind of leaned over his walker, he had an electric mower with the cord and just pushing it with one hand back and forth," Compton said. "I knew if I didn't stop, I would think of that man for the rest of my life."

That act of kindness started a domino effect. Hundreds of people have seen and shared those photos on social media - and people have even reached out to Sutherland to offer their help.

"One lawn service here in town told me they would do it the rest of the year for free, one gentleman wanted to change the oil in my car for free," Sutherland said. 

Sutherland said he won't accept the gifts, and he and his wife will be back on their feet soon. In the meantime, he wants all the praise to go to Compton and other officers who go beyond the badge.

"Time's tough, officers have been kicked so much. When an officer does something good, they should be praised for it," Sutherland said. 

"I would love to be a role model to other officers in our department and other departments - just be kind - that's all it takes," Compton said.