Quiet hero: Ohio police officer helps homeless family, avoids publicity

OXFORD, Ohio (Christian Examiner) – When Deputy Brian Bussell of Butler County Sheriff's Office noticed the woman and two children in the waiting room, he thought they were visiting someone in jail. But when the exhausted family was still there later that Sunday morning, he asked them what was wrong.

Tierra Gray and her two children had been evicted from her home in Oxford. She was looking for a place to stay but the most promising lead was not until Wednesday, three days away.

So Bussell and Dispatch Supervisor Miranda Sheppard began calling local shelters, trying to find the Grays a place to stay. "Most of the shelters were overcrowded or there was a time requirement to be there and we were past that," Bussell said, according to a press release.

Bussell booked the family a hotel for 10 days with money out of his own pocket. He took the Grays to the local Walmart and bought them clothes, snacks, and shoes.

And he didn't tell anyone.

Sheriff Richard K. Jones praised Bussell's selflessness. "This is a true act of kindness. He did not tell anyone at work what he had done but the lady took a picture with him and posted it on Facebook. That's actually how we found out."

Bussell is a 25-year police veteran whose quiet heroism deserves recognition.

If Gray had not shared the photo on social media, Bussell would never have sought publicity for his kindness toward them. "It [the photo] was shared so many times that I got a phone call asking if I knew what a generous gesture my deputy did," Jones said. "I am pleased that he was able to help this family out."

Jones posted his deputy's story on Facebook. "This speaks volumes in light of all the recent negativity people are saying about law enforcement. I have some of the best employees here."

The photo on the Butler County Sheriff's Office Facebook page has been liked over 23,000 times.

"It means something to me to be able to help others, but it's just part of my job description," Bussell told Today.com.

The website reported that the Grays have moved in to a new apartment and are getting back on their feet.