It had been a challenging day at Christy Richardson’s home. Her son, affectionately called “Bubba,” was caught in an emotional storm—a wave of frustration and agitation that seemed impossible to calm. Bubba, who has autism, was overwhelmed, and nothing Christy tried seemed to soothe him.

But Christy knew something special about her son: he had a deep love for police officers. The sight of a uniform always brought him comfort and sparked his fascination. So, in a moment of hope and inspiration, she picked up the phone and asked if a deputy could come by their house, hoping this small intervention might make a difference.

Not long after, Deputy Corey Loftis arrived at their door. Instead of rushing in or overwhelming Bubba, he approached with patience, warmth, and a calm presence. His easygoing manner began to shift the atmosphere in the room almost immediately.

Rather than focusing on calming Bubba through words alone, Deputy Loftis offered something unexpected—a way for Bubba to channel his energy. Dropping down to the floor, he started doing push-ups, inviting Bubba to join him. It wasn’t just physical exercise; it was a playful and engaging way to release the tension Bubba had been holding inside.

Slowly but surely, the tight grip of frustration loosened. Bubba’s eyes brightened as he watched Deputy Loftis, a smile spread across his face, and then, to his mother’s surprise, he laughed—a clear, joyful sound that Christy hadn’t believed possible just moments before.

“Bubba was laughing before Deputy Loftis left,” Christy later recalled, “which I honestly thought was impossible at the time!”

For Christy, the relief was profound. This moment wasn’t just about calming her son—it was about someone truly taking the time to connect, to understand Bubba’s needs, and to meet him exactly where he was. Deputy Loftis turned a difficult, tense moment into one filled with joy and connection.

“I can’t thank Officer Loftis enough for being so caring throughout the whole situation,” she said with gratitude.

That day, Deputy Loftis didn’t just respond to a call—he brought compassion, creativity, and a few push-ups that transformed the entire experience. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness and understanding can leave the biggest, most lasting impact.