On August 12, a Cobb County resident, Leslie Hayes, found herself in a difficult situation when her car broke down at the corner of Bill Carruth Parkway and Rosedale Drive. As she faced the stress of dealing with a disabled vehicle, an unexpected source of help arrived— an off-duty deputy who happened to be passing by.
The Details: The deputy, a woman who was not on duty at the time, noticed Hayes’ car trouble and immediately stopped to assist. Concerned for Hayes’ safety, she ensured that everything was under control. The deputy didn’t stop there. She took the extra step of following Hayes halfway home to make sure that she could continue her journey safely and didn’t need further help.
It was only later that Hayes learned the identity of the deputy who had come to her aid. The deputy was Sergeant Wardlow, a member of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office who chose not to reveal her name at the time, preferring to keep the focus on helping rather than receiving recognition.
Why It Matters: For Hayes, this act of kindness was a significant relief during a stressful situation. Sergeant Wardlow’s actions show the impact that one person can have by simply stepping up to help when someone is in need. It is also a reminder that despite the often negative perception or news reports law enforcement officers may receive, the majority of them are community helpers both on-duty and off-duty.
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