PRINCESS ANNE, MD - A simple act of kindness by a Princess Anne police officer is gaining momentum online after a video of him helping a high school senior tie his necktie before prom went viral on social media.
The video shows Princess Anne Police Lt. Scott Carew helping Ja'Mes Lee get ready for prom after Lee's mother, Sierra Jackson, asked for help. The encounter was recorded on the station's video doorbell.
The video, posted to the Police Department's Facebook, has since received more than 150,000 likes, along with thousands of comments and shares.
While the attention has been extraordinary, Princess Anne Police Chief Robert Smith said the moment reflects the everyday work officers do in their community.
"This was never meant to be viral. It was never about creating a viral moment," Smith said.
Jackson said she realized after working an overnight shift that her son still did not have a tie for the prom.
In the video, Jackson can be heard saying, "Hi, yes, I'm sorry, I have a random question. My son, he is graduating this year and I need somebody to tie his tie. Would anybody possibly know how to do that?"
Carew responded to the request and knotted the tie for Lee.
"When you go into this job. You're not looking for the accolades. You know, I'm just glad I could be there," Carew said.
Smith said he hopes the viral video reminds people that acts of service often happen outside of emergency situations.
"I hope that people realize that this story isn't just about a necktie, right? It's about taking a few minutes out of your day to help someone else. Law enforcement does that every day," Smith said.
Jackson said she was overwhelmed by the public support following the video.
"I actually started crying because I was like, ' Wow, I didn't think people cared," Jackson said.
She said she also hopes the story encourages other single parents to seek help when they need it.
"I want everyone to know, even if you are a single mom struggling. Ask for help. They are not there to do you harm, so there's nothing wrong with that. Don't be ashamed," Jackson said.
Lee wore the tie to prom that evening. Jackson said Carew tied it so well that she kept it knotted, allowing her son to wear it again about two weeks later for his high school graduation.
