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Niles Officer Takes Off Shoes, Gives Them to Homeless Man

The homeless man said he couldn't believe the officer gave up his own shoes, the Niles police department said on Facebook

A suburban Chicago police officer took off his shoes and gave them to a homeless man who had tripped because of poor footwear.

The Niles police department wrote on Facebook that Officer Brian Zagorski gave up his shoes Saturday.

"The Officer noticed the man had tripped over his shoe because it was missing the bottom," the police department wrote. "The Officer engaged the man in conversation and after a brief discussion the Officer gave the man the shoes off his own feet."

"I came across a residentially-challenged subject who had trouble walking because the soles of his shoes, the rubber, kept on coming off," he explained.

Zagorski said he offered the reluctant man a "HOPE" (Help Other People Out Every Day) bag that officers take out every day with essentials like toiletries, blankets, socks and a bible, but the man politely declined.

The officer said the man's demeanor quickly changed when Zagorski offered the boots off of his feet.

The homeless man said he couldn't believe the officer gave up his own shoes, the department said.

Police posted a photo of the two men on social media.

Facebook followers were impressed. Dawn Stenstrom wrote, "kindness doesn't cost a thing."

In his 12 years on the force, officer Zagorski says he's never run into a situation quite like this one, but when asked if he would do it again, he said absolutely.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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