In a world often marked by stories of adversity and challenge, there are shining beacons of hope that remind us of the good that exists in humanity. The heartwarming story of Milwaukee officers Vin Paolo and Dan Resnick is one such story—an account of compassion, quick thinking, and unwavering determination to protect and care for those in need.
It all started with a phone call that led the two officers to an abandoned house in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As fathers themselves, they were unprepared for what they found – a two-year-old toddler living in conditions no child should ever have to endure.
Because they are both fathers, they really tried to make her feel safe and secure.
Officers Vin Paolo and Dan Resnick responded to a call about a pregnant woman and her toddler living in a boarded-up, vacant two-story home. The house was located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin near West Locust Street.
Entering the house they saw a pregnant woman, she looked young, squatting inside, she said she lost her job and had nowhere to go.
The house was completely freezing, with no electricity and no heating at all, it was super cold!
Pablo said:
“[There were] broken upstairs windows, a draft in the house, clothes and trash and beds between the house.”
When Resnik entered the bedroom, he saw a two-year-old toddler under a pile of winter sheets on the bed.
Resnik said:
“I just moved the sheet and that’s when I first saw the two-year-old.
The only food in the house was a solitary bag of crisps and the young child was wrapped in two or three jackets while fast asleep in the cold room.
While Paolo had the youngster in his warm police car, he called a friend to bring the boy McDonald’s as he looked quite hungry.
Paolo recalled: “Oh, he was ravenous. He ate it quickly. Although he didn’t speak much at first, he quickly warmed to us. He said ‘mummy’ but that was it.
“It breaks my heart to see children in these situations. Unfortunately, it happens quite often.”
Having five foster children of his own, Paolo has a real heart for children in such difficult situations.
“My co-workers often make fun of me like I bring home every kid I see and I really wish I could,” Paolo said.
Resnick took a picture of them while the youngster ate his chicken nuggets and fries while sitting on his lap.
The adorable photo of the police officer and the toddler has been shared since it was posted on Facebook by Paulette Rutter Drankiewicz, one of Paolo’s friends.
The post was shared by over 2,400 people and there were over 4,500 reactions to the post.
I see that cop at work occasionally every day; she is doing an amazing job, wrote Jennifer Ralston on Facebook.
“He did it because he’s a loving, kind, compassionate, great person with a huge heart,” said Paolo’s wife, Mel Williams. He did this because as a father he wants every child to feel protected, loved, and nurtured.
The Journal Sentinel was told by Paolo “We don’t want credit.” “We just do it because we’re dads and because we’re human,”
According to Milwaukee police, the youth is in the custody of Child Protective Services and his mother is coordinating closely with social services to locate him in long-term housing.
Ultimately, this heartwarming story reminds us that despite daunting challenges, compassion and love can shine through. The quick response and genuine care of police officers Paolo and Resnick fundamentally changed the life of a vulnerable child. Their actions are a powerful reminder that as a society we must continue to prioritize the well-being and safety of our youngest members.
A Milwaukee toddler who was found in horrific circumstances will now have the opportunity to lead a richer and safer life thanks to the dedication of these compassionate police officers. Their actions remind us that there is an unspoken duty in our shared humanity to protect and care for those who cannot protect themselves.
As we celebrate the actions of police officers Vin Paolo and Dan Resnick, let’s let their stories inspire us all to be more compassionate, more vigilant, and more committed to making the world a safer and more nurturing place for every child. In a world that can often seem challenging, it is acts of kindness and empathy like these that offer hope and reassurance that good will prevail.