There is almost nothing that Sergeant Scott Bass of the Nash County Sheriff's Office has not witnessed.
However, seeing a woman walk 12 miles daily to work, no matter the weather, melted his heart, and he knew he had to do something for her.
To Serve And Protect?
A woman was walking to work as usual, but little did she know today would be far from typical.
She noticed a car was trailing her every step. After several miles, the car horn blared, jarring her and causing her to miss a step.
"Not today"
The woman felt a rush of panic when she saw the red and blue flashing lights in her peripheral vision.
Heart racing, she wondered why a police car was following her. Her mind raced with all the possibilities. "Not today," she proclaimed in fear of being in trouble.
What Did I Do Wrong?
The woman trudged along, worriedly scanning her memory for any missteps that could get her in trouble. What has she done wrong?
She chides herself--she had done nothing wrong; she was only walking to work. But the police officer seemed to take an interest in her.
Just Another Drive To Work
Sergeant Scott Bass took his usual route to the Nash County Sheriff's Office.
While en route to start his shift, he recognized a woman he often drove by on his way to work.
No Matter The Weather, But She Was No Mailperson
Every morning, Bass watched the woman walking through every type of weather, always on time.
He was struck with deep empathy for her, not just because of the long distance she trekked but for the hardships that pushed her to such extreme lengths.
If I Ever See Her Again...There She Is
He vowed not to squander the chance if he ever saw her again. At last, his wish had come true.
He was determined to make the most of it. Now he just needed to get her attention somehow.
Bass Wanted To Help The Woman
Sgt. Scott Bass noticed Jaylesya Corbett walking to work twelve miles a day.
Corbett was on her way to Bojangles, where she works. Bass sought to help her in any way he could.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Jaylesya had to take her usual walk to work, but the day Sergeant Bass saw her, it was pouring rain.
She was soaked, the wind blustering against her, and she struggled against the elements to get to work on time.
The Last Thing Jaylesya Needed Was A Cop
Corbett kept walking despite losing her umbrella in the powerful wind, not stopping to deal with the cop.
She resigned herself to being soaked and was determined to continue with her journey despite the rain.
Feet Don't Fail Me Now
Corbett huddled and gasped as the rain pelted her body like hailstones. Bracing herself, she started walking, pushing forward through the gusts of wind against her.
Forcing her feet, she pressed on and, with a dash of luck, would get to work wet and bedraggled but safe.
Jaylesya Did What She Could To Tolerate Her Commutes
Jaylesya devised a plan to ease her daily twelve-mile walk to Bojangles for work. She invested in supportive and comfortable sneakers that hugged her feet with each step.
However, only waist-high rubber boots would help on this wet trip.
Family First
Corbett always put family first, walking twelve miles to secure extra cash. Corbett braved the terrain and the elements, determined to provide for her family despite the distance and difficulty.
Nothing, not even this cop who suddenly appeared, would interfere with her getting to work on time.
Is There A Problem Officer?
Jaylesya began walking cautiously toward the cop, wondering what their conversation might be about.
Could it be about her daily walk along the highway? Was it a distraction to drivers somehow? She had her doubts, but she was determined to find out.
The Moment Of Truth
Corbett took a deep breath before slowly walking towards the squad car. The flashing lights were like a beacon, guiding her toward her fate.
She knew she had to face the music. No turning back now.
I Just Want To Talk
Bass smiled as warmly as he could as Corbett approached his car. He tried to ease her fear by lowering the car window and saying hello.
Although the officer had no clue how to make things better for her, he hoped that his presence wouldn't make it any worse.
Mistaken Identity?
Corbett's heart raced with each step closer to Bass' car. She wished that she had not decided to take this route today.
Fear and regret threatened to overtake her as she reluctantly stepped towards the car, uncertain of what awaited her.
Bass Was Here To Help, Wasn't He?
Bass startled Corbett as he greeted her before she could speak.
She was taken off guard but quickly recovered and smiled nervously in response. While Jaylesya knew she wasn't in trouble, she still wondered why Bass summoned her.
Get In
Bass's voice was calming yet firm. He asked Corbett to get off the road and into the car. He then tried to assure her that she was not in trouble.
She nervously agreed and got into the car. He smiled at her warmly and drove off, away from potential danger.
Corbett Tried Telling Bass She Was Going To Work
Corbett nervously informed Sgt. Bass that she was heading to her shift at Bojangles, hoping she wouldn't be arrested.
His tone was friendly but had some conviction too. She was scared and uncertain as she waited for his response.
There Was No Winning This Fight For Corbett
Corbett knew that due to her lack of power and authority, Sergeant Bass likely would not listen to her, so she chose to comply with his orders or risk getting arrested or worse.
Even though she knew she was in the right, she chose to stay safe by sacrificing her rights.
Awkward Silence
The car ride was silent, making it difficult for Jaylesya to figure out where she was being taken.
All she could do was stare at the back of Bass' head, his stern expression giving her no sign of where they were headed.
What's Going To Happen To Me?
Bass' silence was a major concern for Corbett. She was trying to gauge what the repercussions of this momentous meeting were.
Was Bass about to lose her job, her family, or her life? Corbett was unsure, but Bass' passive attitude made her fear the worst.
The Rain Was Louder Than The Silence In The Car
The rain pounded against the car, creating a steady roar that echoed throughout the vehicle.
Bass and Corbett continued in silence while the sound of the rain was the only thing breaking their stony silence.
Can You Give Me Something? Anything?
Once she realized they were headed to Bojangles, she breathed a sigh of relief. She knew this meant she wasn't in any danger. Corbett was struggling to contain her curiosity.
She waited, hoping her uniformed- kidnapper would start to explain.
Bass Was Tough, But Also Human
Sgt. Bass saw the distress on Corbett's face, but he was determined to get her to safety before opening up to her.
He wouldn't let the evils of his job stand in the way of helping her.
The Offer: To Drive Her To Work Each Day
Jaylesya beamed a polite smile, thanking Sgt. Bass for the ride. She was relieved knowing she had one less worry for the day. Then he offered to drive her each day.
She appreciated the offer to bring her to Bojangles every day. It made an enormous difference to her, one she wouldn't forget.
Surprise
Bass continued driving Corbett to work. Out of the blue one day, Bass asked Corbett to meet later.
When they did, Bass presented Corbett with a bike from the trunk of his car. Corbett was overwhelmed by the gesture and thanked Bass for his kind gift.
Corbett Could Now Ride To Work, Instead Of Walking
Corbett was astounded when she received a brand new Schwinn Fairhaven Women's Cruiser as a gift.
It was a generous act of kindness by Bass and the local Walmart manager Iris Pierce, who wanted to make her ride to work less of a challenge and more enjoyable.
Bass' Kindness Was Truly Inspirational
The Nash County Sheriff's Office was proud of their deputy - and the story of his inspiring deed went viral on YouTube with over 6,000 views.
Other stories of police officers acting out of kindness toward citizens instead of the usual and negative rhetoric surrounding the police.
Corbett's Story Caught The Eye Of Steve Harvey
Corbett's story moved comedian and talk-show host Steve Harvey. He invited her and Bass onto The Steve Harvey Show and gave her $5,000 and a new 2018 Ford Fiesta SE.
This inspirational story was a life-changing moment for a hardworking mother who deserved help and the kindness of an officer determined to lend a helping hand.
