WAITRESS GETS AN OFF FEELING WHEN 9 POLICE OFFICERS MAKE AN ENTRY INTO THE RESTAURANT ALL OF A SUDDEN
As usual, it was a normal day for everybody. People were trying to reach their daily destination as an office or a college or anywhere important they wanted to be. There was a weird feeling inside her that stopped her from getting out of the bed, but she somehow she gathered her inner strength, threw her legs out of the bed, and stood straight walked towards the washroom. Even while she was brushing her teeth she was getting those weird vibes, the same vibes we aren’t able to tell what they really mean when they happen. Still, she got ready and was on her way to work. Looking at her wristwatch which was literally asking her to pace up. She was running late, but does that even matter? It wasn’t her but that weird feeling that made her question this. There is a reason why you should always trust your guts because they never lie.
The Workplace
Jessica Dunbar worked in a restaurant as a waitress. The restaurant wasn’t far from the place she lived so she always preferred walking. That day she reached the restaurant a little late. She wasn’t feeling right but she knew that if she stayed at home, her mind would have played games and the feeling would have grown stronger. So, rather than staying back at home she decided to go to work to keep her mind busy. She thought that this feeling would go away but that didn’t happen as something was about to happen at the restaurant that day, She should have stayed at home.
A Good Waitress
Jessica reached the Red Robin restaurant which was located in Polaris Fashion Place mall in Columbus, Ohio. Though she was late, her manager didn’t say anything to her as the manager knew what a good and hardworking waitress she was. She did her job with all the honesty. Unable to shake off the feeling she started working as soon as possible. But why was she feeling like that? There are times when we get these feelings where we think something is about to happen to us even when there is no wrong in sight. Our mind plays games differently, so was hers.
Daughter Of A Policeman
Jessica’s father was a cop, now retired. With all her heart she loved her father and she knew the feeling of her dad going for work with no surety of coming back home. She was missing her father that day. Though it wasn’t anything out of the blue, just a daughter missing her father but that day it was a very sudden feeling. Firstly, she was going through a weird array of emotions which she had no idea about and secondly, out of the blue she was thinking about her father. Things made her really scared. Who could blame her? We all have gone through with these kinds of emotions in our lives, right? In the end, everything started to make sense to her.
Usual Day At The Restaurant
The restaurant was working at its usual pace. People came, ate, and went and this happened in a loop like the rest of the days. The regulars of the restaurant knew Jessica very well. They could see that Jessica was a little off that day. Something was bothering her. Her lost expression was visible all over her face. But then she tried to remain focused and didn’t want to upset the customers due to her indulgence.
Entry Of The Cops
She was returning the food trays on the counter when the restaurant door opened. She looked back to see who it was, completely stunned to see a group of officers in the restaurant. You must be thinking why was she surprised as police officers coming in and eating is pretty much normal, right? We couldn’t agree more, but there was something off about the group. She didn’t realize but that weird feeling from the morning was much stronger now.
A Confusing Scenario
The group of police officers came into the Red Robin at Polaris Fashion Place mall in Columbus, Ohio. Seeing those officers gave her a sense of unusual feeling in her body. She could tell that something was wrong with the group. She was shooting the arrow in the dark, but even in the dark, her aim was perfect. Indeed, something was wrong. But what? She would find out soon.
Taking The Order
Jessica wanted to inquire what was going on with the group. She thought if she could get them to give her order she might be able to hear something. She went up to them to take their order and the moment she stood there in front of them they stopped talking as if there was nothing to talk about and there a was pin drop silence. After they were finished with the order Jessica gave the order receipt in the kitchen meanwhile, the group waited for their order. But what were they talking about? She needed to find out…
Eavesdropping
Jessica wanted to know what they were talking about. Why these police officers were looking so pale? What were they discussing? And why there were so many officers in the restaurant as something like this hasn’t happened before. Though few officers are regulars in the restaurant, Jessica hasn’t seen so many officers in one place like this. Was this some kind of secret mission? Was there a bad guy in the restaurant? So many questions inside her head made her want to know more about the situation.
More Closer
Jessica acted like she was cleaning the table next to the table where this group of police officers was sitting. Her plan was to eavesdrop on the group to find out what was going on. There were other people too in the restaurant but unlike Jessica, nobody paid much attention to the police officer’s group. The waitress’ instinct was telling her that something was wrong, but what? She found out and believe us this would be something very surprising.
Table Discussion
The group was talking in a very low voice. Jessica who was setting up the next table was trying really hard to listen as much as she could but that seemed almost impossible. It’s human nature when you want something you try to have it at any cost. She was trying hard to pick something and all she could hear was the term “shoot out.” It made her literally terrified. She looked around to see who all were sitting in the restaurant. Looking at the group of police officers she felt like something was about to go down. She decided to talk to the manager. But when she found out the real truth about the situation she decided to take action and everybody was stunned by her action.
Talk To The Manager
Jessica rushed to find the manager of the restaurant who was busy talking to one of the customers regarding the food and the service of the restaurant. The man had this smile on his face and from a distance, it didn’t look like he was complaining anything to the manager. He seemed happy about the overall service of the restaurant. Jessica waited for the manager to get free. The manager saw Jessica waiting for him, so he finished the conversation with the customer. What’s the matter?
The Heard ‘Term’
Jessica took the manager near the kitchen where nobody could hear them. She looked really worried. The manager asked her to calm down. He gave her water to drink and asked what the matter was. She breathed in and breathed out and did it two more times before she told the manager that she has been getting this premonition since morning. She told what she heard at the table where the group of police men was sitting. So, what did the manager do?
The Manager’s Decision
The manager heard what Jessica wanted to tell him. After hearing everything, he looked at the table where those police officers were sitting, obviously, without them noticing. He didn’t find anything unusual. To him, it seemed like they were just passing a time here in the restaurant after a hectic shift. The manager asked Jessica to take some rest or if she wants she can go home to have a better rest. But Jessica refused the suggestion. She knew that something was going on here and she wanted to find out. And she did.
Her Small Investigation
Jessica wasn’t the one who runs away from the challenge. Being a single mother she has fought hard for the life she was living. She has always trusted her instincts and this time it was no different. She told the manager that she was okay and would like to continue her shift. The manager didn’t force her. She was back to work but this time she had a plan on her mind. Her idea made her realized what she has done and then she did something unbelievable.
The Plan
Jessica didn’t go home. She stayed at the restaurant to get into the depth of the situation. Her father was a policeman and the detective instinct was passed to her somehow. She started identifying the people who could be in the restaurant because of whom this group of policemen was here. But how to mark the person?
Stay Alert!
Jessica was trying her best not to make anybody suspicious about her secret mission especially, the policemen. She tried to stay away from them as much she could. She knew that eavesdropping again wasn’t a good idea. The policemen were waiting for their order which got delayed because Jessica needed more time, so, she asked the chef to prepare the order as slowly as he can. It was working until one of the policemen called the manager to inquire about the order. Jessica had to hurry before the policemen left the building and something started.
No Clue!
Jessica had no idea what she was going to do next. For a moment, she felt like she was just overreacting and there was nothing to worry about. If something was about to happen then it would have happened by now. Looking around in the restaurant and the customers who were smiling, chatting, and laughing at each other’s joke she felt relieved. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in and Breathe out. She was fine now.
The Group
Jessica tried to eavesdrop but that wasn’t a success. The policemen were just sitting there talking in a very low pitch almost whispering to each other. But this couldn’t be a reason to suspect them. They must be discussing one of their cases where a shootout was involved and that’s why they were talking like they are planning something big. Jessica’s mind was creating scenarios and she was thinking positive even though somewhere back in her mind she was still worried. And in the end, she found out that she was right all along.
The Real Table Discussion
Jessica heard the term ‘shootout’ when they were talking sitting at the table. Yes, there was a shootout, something bad did really happen. But not in the restaurant but somewhere else. The policemen were talking in such a low voice because they were sad about it. Something grave happened that day during the shootout. And Jessica found out when she went up to them and asked herself about the matter. After hearing it she did the most unbelievable thing one could do. What did she do?
The Incident
On April 10, 2016, the state capital was literally struggling to catch the man who was suspected of being related to an arson blaze. The arson blaze incident happened the previous day. The police were quick enough to follow the lead which landed them to this guy’s front door. The SWAT time surrounded his house. The team confronted him to surrender without any harm but he was stubborn and then they did what they had to but then something unfortunate happened that shocked the whole department.
Officer Steve Smith
The suspect, Lincoln Rutledge, 44, was suspected of being involved in an arson blaze. He was hiding inside the building and even after several hours of talking he refused to surrender. He began shooting at the armored SWAT vehicle which was parked outside the building. And during that shootout Officer Steve Smith was hit. He was rushed to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. His condition was critical…
In Tears
Jessica was listening to it like an innocent child. Tears rolling down her eyes, the weird feeling was back. As we already told you that she was the daughter of a retired policeman who has spent half of his life being an officer in Blendon Township. Somehow she could connect to the group of policemen. She was able to comprehend their pain and sorrow. But what happened to Officer Steve Smith?
After The Shootout
Officer Smith was admitted to the hospital. The doctor told that on this initial stage they can’t tell much but his condition was critical and they would try their best. Two days later, Officer Smith was pronounced dead. He was the 54th member of the Columbus police force who passed away in the line of duty. Coincidentally, he was also 54 years old when he passed away.
The Ceremony
Officer Smith was buried on April 19. His funeral took place in Westerville. The ground was filled with hundreds of uniformed cops. Some were from his department and some were from a different department. They all came together to pay their respect to the brave officer who did his duty with all his heart. The fallen hero was honored with a bagpiper, riderless horse, chopper flying above the burial ground, and gun salute.
After The Ceremony
It was after the ceremony this group of policemen decided to eat something and ended up in the restaurant where Jessica worked as a waitress. It was then everything started. Their silence and Jessica’s intuition about something being wrong led her to discover the story of the fallen hero Officer Steve Smith. She knew what she had to do and everyone was left amazed by her action.
She Felt It Right
There were nine cops together sitting in the Red Robin restaurant. Jessica inquired about the situation she was feeling off about and one of the cops said, “you know, it’s always a rough day when you gotta put a brother in the ground,” Jessica told WCMH Columbus. “Right after that, I was like, ‘I gotta do something right,” she added.
Her Decision
After hearing the story of Officer Smith, her heart was crying for him as well. She wanted to make them feel a little better. So, she came up with a brilliant idea. She went up to the manager and told him about her plan. The manager was more than happy and was ready to help in any way he can.
The Lunch Was Over
The Cops were almost done and one of them asked for the check. Jessica brought the check and instead of giving them the $123 bill in their hand she placed it on the table face down. One of the cops picked it up and was surprised to see the bill was of $0 and on the back, there was a note for the group.
The Note
“Officers, your bill is on me today. I can’t imagine the day you all have had, let alone what you go through every day. I hope your days get better. So much respect. #WeSeeYou #PoliceLivesMatter #RIPOfficerSmith.”
Fallen Hero
Officer Steve Smith died on the line of duty. He worked for 27 years in the Columbus Divison of Police. He left behind his loving wife and two children Brittany and Jesse. Though the family was left in shatters after the news, they were proud of Steve. He lived as a hero and died like one.
The Chief
“We’ve lost a family member. The city lost a true hero, a true guardian, and protector. He loved life. His legacy is living life to its fullest. He lived that 100 percent, 100 miles per hour,” said Columbus Chief Kim Jacobs to the WCMH.
Friends For Two Decades
Officer Kevin Wheeler, who became a friend of Officer Smith almost 20 years earlier. They both worked together in the aviation unit. He was there to pay his tribute at the funeral. “He would take the shirt off his back for anybody in the unit, for anybody he knew that he could help out even outside the unit. The way he lifted the team in bad times and brought all of our spirits up, it was just unbelievable,” said Officer Kevin.
Jessica’s Sweet Gesture
Lt. Jeff Shelton from the Wellington Police Department was with other 8 cops in the restaurant and was really moved by Jessica’s gesture. “It really touched all of our hearts. We weren’t expecting to be treated any different than normal, and just for somebody to come and do that, it really made our day,” he told WCMH.
The Act Of Kindness
Shelton also said that Jessica’s act of kindness made the group believe in humanity and they became more emotional after that. “We were crying all day, and then you got a bunch of guys and female officers in there crying. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place by the time we were done.”
The Reason She Did It
Jessica told the media why she did it. She was inspired by Smith’s story who reminded her of her own father and her family. She knew that the cops put their life on danger so that general public can live a peaceful life. “He left behind a wife and kids. It could’ve been me. It could’ve been my dad.”
Childhood Days
When Jessica was a child, she used to wait for her father to come back home safely. She never went to bed before her father gave her a goodnight kiss. She knew how Officer Smith’s family would be feeling and what a tough phase they must be going through in their lives. She understood the pain. So, what she did for the cops that day was her way to show them the respect they deserve.
Since Morning
Since morning, Jessica’s mind was playing games with her. She was going through unexplainable experiences. She didn’t know what was the reason behind it, but as they say, it’s a small world, she learned, indeed it is. Who could have thought that these 9 cops would come to the restaurant and Jessica would surprise them with a $0 bill and a sweet note that would at least give them a little happiness that day!
Jessica’s Words
Jessica gesture touched those nine cops’ soul and they were really grateful for her that she went to such extent to make them feel special. “People look up to them (referring to the police). To have them shake my hand and say ‘thank you’ to me, that was incredible,” she told the media.
Trending On Social Media
The Ohio Going Blue community shared this even on their Facebook page where they told the world about the incident and how a restaurant waitress did something special for the cops who were going through a difficult time of their lives. The post soon went viral with over 10,000 likes. She became a sensation overnight. People and the media were talking about her and her simple gesture of kindness.
You Guys Are Invited
After her story went viral, the Lorain County Police invited Jessica and her family to be the guests in the Lorain County Police Memorial. The commenters were quick enough to appreciate her act and called her “awesome” and everybody was praising her act and she couldn’t be more proud. Kindness is the best gesture you can show to someone.
Words Of Appreciation
“Thank you for the support to our many brave and wonderful officers,” Jeff Hughes expressed. “My husband was one of the officers at the Polaris Red Robin with the group. They stopped there to eat after the funeral. He called to tell me about it right away. Deeds like this are never expected but always appreciated. Sincere thank you from a police wife,” said Julie Zielinski-Morgan who was one of the commenters in the event.
Interview With The Fox & Friends
Jessica appeared on Fox & Friends with Shelton where she told that her father “was very proud” of her action. She also told that was the moment she saw her father cry. The young mom said, “I just wanted to do something nice,” she added to WCMH Columbus. “You can’t put a dollar amount on making somebody happy.”
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