This very cold morning (Jan. 17), I was walking my dog on Shore Road when I spotted a very elderly gentleman with a cane shuffling down the street. As he got to Shore and Harbor Road, a police cruiser drove by, turned around and stopped in front of the man. The officer, talking loudly and clearly, asked the old man why he was out on such a cold (10 degree) day. Taking a walk was the answer. The officer politely asked if he needed a ride home. Reluctantly, he agreed and slowly got into the back of the police car.

An act of kindness and keen observation on the policeman's part avoided a potential broken hip or even pneumonia.

We in Port Washington are lucky and grateful to these officers who are always watching and looking out for our old, young and in-between. They do more than the police blotter reports.

My hat would come off to you, but it is too bitter cold and my ears will freeze.

Charlene Berkman