It was a chance encounter that ended with a Garland police officer going above and beyond the call of duty.
Garland police officer James Brezik, who has worked as a school resource officer for 14 years, was heading to check on one of his schools when he got into a car accident with Cambria Hart.
Hart was hysterical at the scene.
"She told me, she said,'I've lost my job. I didn't even see you coming,'" said Officer Brezik. "Her husband showed up a few minutes and said,'We both lost our jobs and she's got a lot on her mind."
Cambria had her 3 year old son and 6 month old baby girl in her car. Both cars were totaled but luckily no one was injured.
Hart was so emotional that Officer Brezik hugged her and told her everything was going to be okay.
The encounter could have ended there, but Officer Brezik couldn't shake the feeling that this little family needed help.
"I think it was a conviction from the Lord. I called my wife and told her the situation. She said, 'We'll figure out some way to help. Why don't you reach out to your SRO's (School Resource Officers) to see if they'll help.'" said Officer Brezik.
They stepped up. Within a couple of days, the officers had gathered enough money to present Cambria with a check to cover her rent, a $450 gift card for groceries, and a even a couple of toys for the kids.
Cambria was overwhelmed and crying, but this time they were tears of joy.
"I don't even know how to feel right now because it just helps so much," she said through her tears. "I just want to tell y'all thank you because I know you all have families and you didn't have to do that."
For Officer Brezik, it was part of a philosophy he's lived since he became a cop.
"When I graduated from the police academy, the then-chief challenged us with 'Do the right thing and do it the right and that way no one will be able to question your integrity or your intent.' I think we all just stepped up and did the right thing," Officer Brezik said.
Officer Brezik said their chance encounter may not have been been an accident after all.
"I think the Lord may have had something to do with it. I hope He can explain it to me one day," the officer said.
We're proud to call Officer James Brezik and the Garland Police Department this week's KRLD Difference Makers.
If you know someone who is making a difference, send Susy an email at susy.solis@entercom.com.
