Cops buy back elderly man's wedding ring after he pawned it to pay for groceries

A group of Canadian police officers purchased back an elderly couple's engagement ring after they pawned it to buy groceries.

Andre Rivette, a member with the Cornwall Police Department in Cornwall, Ontario, told the touching story at a City Council meeting on Monday. According to Seaway News, city cops were responding to a domestic call at a Cornwall home where an elderly couple were arguing. After arriving at the home, police discovered that the woman was suffering from dementia, and that the man had recently pawned his wedding ring in order to pay for their groceries. The couple has been married for 54 years, but the man found it increasingly difficult to care for his wife and put food on the table.

Police officers then came together and were able to raise $150 to purchase the couple groceries and $130 to purchase their wedding ring back from the pawn shop. Rivette's story received a standing ovation from those in the council chambers.

"This really shows that our officers have a heart," Rivette said.

The officers involved in the good deed will receive a commendation from police services for their efforts. The Alzheimer's Society and Community Care Access Centre is also involved with the case, according to Seaway News.