by Kris Hauser
Elyria, Ohio, Police Officer Gage Hume went to a home to answer questions the family had regarding legal options involving a harassment complaint. Although Office Hume has answered more calls like this one than he can remember, this particular call — to a family with a deceased father, a terminally ill mother, and four minor children — turned out to be far different than any of the others.
Before Office Hume left the house, he spoke to the woman’s 16-year-old son, Malachi, who had assumed the role of the man of the house. “I asked him if there was anything I could do for him personally before I left. After hearing his story and about his home life, he asked me if I could help him fix his broken PlayStation. I told him I was clueless and wouldn’t even know where to start.” Officer Hume listened as Malachi told him all about the fun he and his siblings would have playing the different games and how they truly loved their game consoles. “I convinced him to tell me what console he would like to have, and which one was the best. Once I cleared the call, I went back to the station to handle some paperwork. After that I got on the phone with my wife and started towards Wal-Mart. I told her about Malachi, his siblings, and the situation at his house. I then told her what I wanted to do, she agreed and told me I needed to do that.”
Officer Hume went shopping for not only a PlayStation Pro, but also a gift card so Malachi could pick out a new game. Then he returned to the home.
The young man, Malachi, refers to himself as an introvert, unless of course he has had a cup of Starbucks coffee. He says he then does better in social situations. Officer Hume remarked that when he looks at Malachi, he sees a 30-year old in a 16-year old’s body. “In the short time I was with him, I was presented with the opportunity to help improve the life of this 16-year old who has taken on the responsibility of a man. Not once did he complain to me. I watched how he spoke to his siblings and how he had mentally taken on a role that no 16-year old should have to. With a deceased father and a terminally ill mother, this young man has stepped up to take care of his family, including two younger brothers and one younger sister. Giving up his football plans, time with friends and all the other opportunities 16-year old kids should have.”
Officer Hume said although he spent just under $500 that day, it was worth it. “The feeling I had as I handed it to him, watching his eyes water up — that was priceless.”
When he was asked why this call and this circumstance made him go above and beyond the call of duty, he said Malachi just got to him and it is the right thing to do. “Our job is about helping people and I saw this as a great opportunity to do just that. The look on his face and his mother’s face when I gave it to him told me everything I needed to know. If I could have given him more I would have. Malachi told me he wants to join the military one-day, therefore, as a Veteran and a Law Enforcement Officer myself, I presented him with my Elyria Police Department Challenge Coin.”
The following week Hume stopped by to see Malachi and his family. He asked Malachi if he had done research into Challenge Coins; he had. They then discussed the origin of the coins for both the military and law enforcement.
They also discussed the fact that Officer Hume and his family would be leaving soon, as he will be taking his talents and his family to Florida. Malachi and his brother both said they were not in favor of the move. “He’s a cool guy who cares about me and my family, I’m sorry he’s leaving the area.”
Malachi was asked if he had to return either the PlayStation Pro or the Challenge Coin which would it be? Without hesitation Malachi said, “the PlayStation, the Challenge Coin is too special for me to give back.”
Just one call and one act of kindness can do the unimaginable for someone. Thank you Officer Hume for your generous and caring heart. Our best on your new endeavors. God Bless Malachi and his family as well.