Trooper from Dartmouth Barracks shares lunch with panhandler

May 17, 2016

The Massachusetts State Police received the photo above from a third-party and did some digging to find out what the unidentified trooper in the photo was doing.

Luke Bonin of the State Police Dartmouth Barracks was having lunch with a panhandler on Davol Street in Fall River, said today's Facebook post from the state police.

According to the Facebook page, Bonin had just left court when he drove by the woman "who appeared to be down on her luck." Bonin drove past, only to return with food.

Bonin said the woman expected to be removed when he got out of his cruiser, according to the Facebook page. The trooper then extended two meals and told her to pick one, according to the post.

The citizen—who had originally posted the photo to a Fall River Facebook group page—captioned it, "And they say chivalry is dead... Much respect."

The state police said Bonin was surprised a photo had been taken of him, and didn't expect publicity. Upon being pressed, he explained the photo, the post said.

"We commend you for your selfless act, and for 'doing the right thing' for someone less fortunate than most people," said the state police post. "We have extraordinary troopers on the Massachusetts State Police who conduct themselves honorably, and perform selfless acts, every day. Most times, it goes unnoticed. But not this day."