Holly Springs officer helps stranded family with his own money

HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Holly Springs police officer is credited with helping a family down on their luck.

"You don't get calls like this in Holly Springs a whole lot, so I knew probably this was legit, and they needed some help," said Green.

The family, who spoke little English, told the officer they were trying to get home. Their mini-van was running on fumes.

"It literally looked like from the inside of their van that they were living from their van, so I wasn't sure how bad off they were," said Green.

He decided to fill up the tank using his own money.

The picture shows Green talking to the mother as she held her little girl.

"I was definitely feeling for that little girl because that's where my heart is, with my daughter," he said.

Police Chief John Herring told ABC11 it's not the first time one of his officers stepped in to meet a need.

"We've had officers pushing cars, changing tires. I think that's just what officers enjoy doing is helping people. It makes me proud," said Herring.

While Green doesn't want the praise, he hopes the gesture will get someone else's attention.

"I would hope someone would do that for me if I was having some hard times," he said.