It’s a police officer’s duty to look after their community—and not just the people but the animals too.

That’s what one heartwarming photo shows, of a sheriff’s deputy who went above and beyond the line of duty to comfort an injured dog.

Deputy Josh Fiorelli of the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Florida arrived at the scene of an accident where a dog had been struck by a car.

He was the only one by the dog’s side. He contacted animal control, but as he waited he knew he had to do something extra special for the dog as she laid injured on the cold ground.

“It was cold out. She was wet,” Fiorelli told WFTV. “She didn’t have anyone there so I decided to be that person.”

He wrapped a coat around the dog and comforted her with pets. The dog appreciated his kindness.

“I know a lot of dogs become defensive when they get hurt,” the deputy said. “She was not defensive at all. She was acceptive of me trying to pet her and take care of her.”

It was a simple act of kindness, not done for attention or publicity—but when a bystander took a picture of the heartwarming scene, Fiorelli was hailed as a hero.

“Thank you Deputy Fiorelli for serving with care and compassion,” the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office wrote.

“It takes a special person to be so compassionate to comfort this injured dog,” one person commented.

As for the dog, she had a dislocated leg but was otherwise expected to make a fully recovery. She was brought to Osceola County Animal Shelter, who scheduled a surgery for the dog.

She did not have a microchip and the shelter waited for someone to claim her. It isn’t clear if anyone ever claimed the dog or if she was put up for adoption.

But the important thing is that she had a kindhearted person by her side when she needed one the most.

Fiorelli hopes that his new friend will find a good home and get microchipped: “Keep an eye on them. They may only be a part of your life, but you’re their whole life,” he told WFTV.

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