As medical staff and police officers are on the frontline fighting the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, a heartwarming gesture by a cop to a doctor is moving the hearts of people all over.
Minnesota state trooper, Brian Schwartz, pulled up Dr. Sarosh Ashraf Janjua for speeding to give her a speeding ticket. But this incident soon turned into the most amazing act of kindness.
Dr. Sarosh works as a cardiologist at a coronavirus quarantine unit in Duluth, and was caught speeding on March 21. But instead of handing her a ticket, Schwartz handed Janjua five N95 masks he was supposed to use as protection and a stern warning for speeding.
“I burst into tears. And though it may just have been the cold wind, I think he teared up a little as well, before wishing me well and walking away,” Janjua said on Facebook.
“This complete stranger, who owed me nothing and is more on the front lines than I am, shared his precious masks with me, without my even asking.”
Schwartz offered Janjua his N-95 masks after noticing “what appeared to be two used N95 masks in Ashraf’s purse that he assumed she was reusing,” the Minnesota State Patrol said.
The N95 respirator masks that health care workers need to protect themselves while treating coronavirus patients are in dangerously short supply. Doctors are being forced to wear used masks, risking infection for patients.
Boston resident, Janjua, said she was “afraid” of not having the proper equipment to protect herself from possibly getting sick far from home.
“Thank you to Sarosh for her hard work and dedication,” the Minnesota State Patrol said on Facebook. “Troopers are working hard during the pandemic and are thinking about all the first responders who are caring for Minnesotans during this critical time.”
With brave police officers like Trooper Schwartz, we know that we are safe and secure during this time of crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“I think we are all just hanging on to something that makes us feel safe,” Janjua said. “Somehow, for Americans, that something has become N95 masks and toilet paper. Trooper Schwartz’ act of kindness became my something.”