Little girl gives flower to Manatee County deputy

A deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office shared a touching story of kindness by one of their smallest citizens recently.

Deputy Vreeland said he was at the Shell Station at Lorraine Rd. and SR 70 when a 4-year-old girl came in with her parents. "She looked up at me and smiled, let go of her mother's hand and walked over to me. She handed me a little purple flower and said this is for you," the deputy wrote.

He asked her what her name was and she said her name was "Harper." He thanked Harper for the flower and she replied, "Thank you for protecting me."

"Something so small and seemingly insignificant to some, absolutely made my day. This is why we do what we do, for those moments that are very few and far between," said Deputy Vreeland.

He is keeping her flower in his notebook.

Thank you for your support of Law Enforcement Officers everywhere! Here below is a note from MCSO Deputy Vreeland...