In a heartwarming incident in Florida, a young boy called 911 not to report an emergency, but simply to ask for a hug from a deputy. The response from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was both understanding and compassionate.
Bodycam footage from Deputy Scott Pracht, along with doorbell camera footage, captured the moment. Upon arriving at the home, Deputy Pracht spoke with the boy’s mother, who revealed that her son had a disconnected cellphone. Despite this, she noted that such phones can still reach emergency services.
When asked if he had called the police, the boy candidly replied, “Well, I wanted to give him a hug.” His mother, slightly amused, confirmed his innocent intentions.
As the officer and the boy’s mother checked the phone’s call log, it was clear that the boy had indeed dialed 911 just before noon. With a big smile, the boy confidently stated, “I know what your phone number is — 9-1-1.”
After sharing a warm hug, Deputy Pracht took a moment to explain the importance of the emergency line. “911 is for people who are in trouble and need help,” he explained gently. He emphasized the need for caution when using the number, reminding the boy that it should only be used in real emergencies, such as when someone is hurt or if there’s a serious situation.
The boy apologized for the misunderstanding, but Deputy Pracht reassured him that it was perfectly okay.
The sheriff’s office later shared the touching video on Facebook, where it quickly garnered nearly 10,000 views. Commenters expressed their delight, with one noting, “You can’t be mad; he called to give you a hug!”
Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister praised the boy’s kindness, stating, “Our deputies are more than willing to share a hug and spread love to children in our community.” He also stressed the importance of educating children about the proper use of 911, reinforcing that it should remain a lifeline for emergencies.
