Police officers are sworn to serve, protect, and uphold the law at all times, especially for the more vulnerable and innocent in their communities.

This cop from Florida went above and beyond his vows. Deputy Joshua Fiorelli found a poor dog on the side of the road after she was hit by a car. He knew what he had to do.

Fiorelli saw how excruciating her pain was so he immediately tried to comfort the dog. Normally, injured dogs become defensive when hurt, even lashing out at others.

This poor girl just wanted help.

Fiorelli’s heart went out to her so he took off his jacket and quickly wrapped it around the injured dog. He then stayed by her side to comfort her by gently petting her.

Fiorelli said, “It was cold out. She was wet. She didn’t have anyone there so I dedicated to be that person. I know a lot of dogs become defensive when they get hurt. She was not defensive at all.”

A passerby saw the cop and the injured dog so he took a photo, surprised by the officer’s kindness.

Carlos Irizzy was out walking his dog along Royal Palm Drive when he saw the injured dog being comforted by the police officer. He told WFTV, “This is something you don’t see every day.”

The same photo was posted on the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page who applauded their deputy for his selflessness.

“Deputy Fiorelli cares for an injured dog who was hit by a car and waits with him until animal control arrives. Thank you Deputy Fiorelli for serving with care and compassion,” the post said.

That post ended up going viral with several news outlets sharing the photo across the country. And people took notice.

The injured dog was eventually taken to Osceola County Animal Shelter. She will need surgery but the staff believes she will make a full recovery. Her surgery was scheduled for a Thursday.

A dislocated leg meant she couldn’t move around too much but she did wag her tail every now and then.

She was given medication for the pain, but since the dog did not have a microchip, they followed protocol and held her for three days giving her owners a chance to come forward and claim her.

Fiorelli was hopeful that the dog will be reunited with her owners.

He then urged the family and other dog owners to microchip their pets.

“Keep an eye on them. They may only be a part of your life, but you’re their whole life,” he added.

Having a pet is no different from owning a car or having kids. Being responsible for them comes with the ownership experience.

Officer Fiorelli upheld his vows, taking the time to protect the injured dog, making sure she would make it the entire time. Now imagine what he would do for the people in his community.

Let’s hope many others follow his example.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site, WFTV