A former drug addict has penned a heartwarming Christmas letter apologising for making an officer’s life difficult after he turned his life around.
A South Yorkshire Police officer named Briggsy shared the inspiring letter which he says made him “well up” after he was invited to the man’s home.
He had multiple run-ins with the man, only known as Richard, but he had since found a job and is drug-free.
In the post, the policeman thanked Richard and admitted ]he was “very proud” of what he had achieved since their previous encounters.
The letter said: “To Briggsy 2941, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
“Bet you never thought you would see the day I was drug free and working for a living.
“Sorry for all the hard work I have caused you in the past.
“All the best from Richard.”
Officer Briggsy shared the card on Facebook and said he was very touched by the gesture.
Officer Briggsy added: “It is not every day that you receive a Christmas card as a police officer and even more so, from someone who came to our attention more often than not.
“Yesterday that person gave me a Christmas card which to be honest made me well up.
“As city centre police officers, we deal with numerous people who suffer with complex needs often through substance misuse and street homelessness.
“We are not social workers, nor drugs workers or housing officers yet we know how important it is to sign post the people we deal with to these services who play a vital role in our partnership working approach and without them we would struggle to help those in need.
“We always say that with this cohort of society, any enforcement should be a last resort once all the above has been exhausted.
“To be invited into someone’s home and given a Christmas Card personally written to me was very touching and not only did I say thank you but also that I was proud of him for how he has turned his life around.
“Thanks again Richard and very proud of what you have achieved.”
