Earlier this year, Heber City Police officer Jesse Bell was on patrol when he came across a man experiencing homelessness. The man had just had surgery and needed a place to stay while he waited for transportation back to Idaho.  Police Chief Parker Sever said Bell contacted several resources t o find overnight housing for the man, but none could take him.  So, Bell decided to take matters into his own hands and buy the man a hotel room using his own money. The next day, the man found his way back to Idaho.  “I know other officers have done it, and I just figured it was my turn to try and help out,” Bell said. Despite Bell’s best efforts to keep the incident under wraps, Sever eventually learned of the act of goodwill and nominated Bell for the award. “I just want to encourage that positive behavior with the officers,” Sever said.  Heber City Mayor Heidi Franco presented Bell with the Good Samaritan Award during the Oct. 20 Heber City Council meeting. Sever said Bell’s compassion helps officers stay grounded in their interactions with the community. Despite the praise, Bell said he hoped no one would find out and that he never expected the recognition, but he appreciated receiving the honor. “I was just lucky enough to be able to help him out that day,” Bell said, “and that’s what I tell my kids, it’s just always try and do the right thing, and if somebody needs help, don’t think twice about it.” Bell joined law enforcement later in life: he’s been a police officer for four and a half years. Life took him in a different direction at first, but Bell always dreamed of becoming a police officer. “Honestly, I wanted to help people,” Bell said. “That was my thing when I kind of got into it.” Now he’s a member of the SWAT team and is a dog handler for the department.  Sever praised Bell’s performance, saying Bell interacts with the public “extremely well.” While Sever found that Bell’s appearance can be imposing, the officer is just “a big softy.”  “When (people) first see him, they can be a little intimidated,” Sever said. “But once they get to know him, it doesn’t take very long at all. It’s pretty obvious what a nice person he is.” The post Heber City police officer receives Good Samaritan Award appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less