It is good to remember, especially at this time of year, that there are many, many fine and dedicated police officers who strive to serve and protect their communities.
One such officer is William Stacy in Tarrant, Alabama, which is just north of Birmingham.
Stacy was recently called out on a shoplifting complaint.
Officer William Stacy was called to the Dollar General on Pinson Valley Parkway when employees caught the woman trying to steal a dozen eggs, Tarrant Police Chief Dennis Reno said.
The woman had her young children in the car. She told Officer Stacy that she was only stealing because she was trying to feed her children.
These days, being unable to feed one's own family is an all-too-common occurrence. And there are many -- to our great shame as a nation -- who would have no sympathy for a woman in such circumstances and would insist she be punished for having the audacity to be poor.
But instead of hauling the woman off to jail, Stacy intervened and negotiated an arrangement with the store. He then spoke to the woman.
"He said, 'If I give you these eggs, will you promise that you won't shoplift anymore?'" Reno said. "He knew that she was telling the truth and that's the reason he went in and bought the eggs."
Stacy bought the eggs and gave them to her, Reno said. The woman then asked if she could give him a hug.
It was just a dozen eggs, but it was so much more than that.
Imagine if we all did that for each other.