Push-Ups and Kindness: How One Deputy Turned a Tough Day Into Joy
Christy Richardson’s son “Bubba,” who has autism, was having a difficult day. Nothing seemed to calm him—familiar routines and soothing words didn’t help. Knowing how much Bubba admired police officers, Christy reached out for support, hoping someone could connect with him in a way she couldn’t.
Deputy Corey Loftis was the one who answered. Instead of showing authority or frustration, he approached Bubba with patience and kindness. He knelt down, dropped to the floor, and started doing push-ups, inviting Bubba to join in.
The change was instant. Bubba’s anxiety gave way to laughter, his smile returning as the tension melted. For Christy, it was a powerful reminder of how simple gestures can mean the world.
She later shared the moment online, never expecting it to spread so widely. The video went viral, inspiring parents everywhere and filling comment sections with gratitude. One person wrote, “This is the kind of officer my son dreams of meeting. Thank you for showing that true strength is compassion.”
Deputy Loftis, however, downplayed the attention. “I didn’t do anything special,” he said. “I just treated Bubba like a person who needed a friend.”
To Bubba and his family, though, it was far more than that. It was proof that real heroes are the ones willing to slow down, meet children where they are, and turn hard days into moments of hope.