Thursday, March 28, 2024

Officer Receives Star of the 24th Award

The Star of the 24th is an initiative created by Congressman Marchant to recognize outstanding citizens and groups in the 24th Congressional District of Texas.
STAR OF THE 24TH: Nate Anderson of
Southlake

Southlake police officer, Nate Anderson, was patrolling the town square one late evening in December when he came across an obscure vehicle. Inside he found a woman in her mid forties trying to fall asleep in the back seat. When Officer Anderson approached her, she appeared distressed and was crying. She explained her plight of moving from California to Texas hoping for better opportunities, and how her situation had left her stranded and alone.

Officer Anderson verified her story by looking at her prepared résumé.  Going beyond the line of duty, he arranged for the woman to have a hot meal, a full tank of gas, and a hotel room for two nights.  He then gave her all the cash in his wallet, totaling $150, and put her in touch with a few churches to ensure ongoing assistance.

The encounter was an unknown incident until the woman contacted his superiors about his generosity.  Officer Anderson’s selfless actions demonstrate that of a true Good Samaritan.  I am extremely proud to represent Officer Anderson and to recognize him as a Star of the 24th.

What inspired you to go above and beyond to assist
a citizen in need?

The initial response of my job is to protect and serve, however in this case I knew that there was no way that I would be able to go home and have a peaceful night’s sleep knowing that I left this lady alone and nowhere to go. If anything happened to her it would be on my conscience for the rest of my life. In my mind that was someone’s mother, daughter, etc. and she was crying out for anyone to help her. I spoke to my wife and she shared the same views therefore we mutually agreed to sacrifice whatever we could at that time to make sure she was fed and had a warm and safe place to get a peaceful nights rest, even if it was for only two days. I truly believed that I had to put my personal struggles to the side and assist a stranger in need. It’s what’s expected of me every day that I put on a uniform.

How has this experience affected you?

This experience has brought on a lot more attention than I would have liked. The night I assisted this lady, I kept as quite about it as I could because in my mind this is what I felt anyone would have done if they were in my position. I work with a lot of good officers that have good hearts and I didn’t want to make a big deal about the situation. Overall, I’m glad that it has touched a lot of individuals; I’m glad that it shows the citizens that we as officers are not out there just writing tickets and arresting individuals.

Your story is an example of amazing generosity and
service. What does it mean to you to be a public servant?

Being a public servant means being there for any and every one as much as you can. It means putting your personal issues aside and putting someone else first. I truly believe that if you help others, God will bless you later.