The Police Officers Helped Me Change the License Plate

by Ya Li Fan

I have been in the United States for 10 years and have experienced many things, most of which I have forgotten. But here is something I will never forget:

On September 1, 2024 I bought a used car. After transferring the title, the previous owner helped me replace the license plate on the front with my new one. Since the car was old and rusty, the metal at the back of the car would not hold the rear plate, so he rolled the sides together to hold it until I could have it fixed. He told me, “You have your new plate on the front of the car, you can drive it on the road.”

I had no choice but to drive toward my destination and hope to find a repair shop along the way. Being anxious, I unconsciously increased my speed. Suddenly, in my rear-view mirror I saw red flashing lights! Now I was in trouble again, not the first time. I slowed down and pulled into the BBC church parking lot. The police car pulled in behind me. I immediately got out of my car, and showed the officer the title to the newly acquired vehicle. I tried to explain the license plate problem, but he told me the problem was that I had been speeding. I kept apologizing and gave him my driver’s license.

When the officer saw the rolled up license plate at the rear of the car, he squatted down and examined the rusty screws carefully. Then he made a phone call. About twenty minutes later another patrol car pulled in, with an officer carrying a toolbox.

The two officers helped me to remove the old, rusty screws. Because the vehicle was old, the sheet metal around the license mount wouldn’t hold the new screws. The officers replaced it with a new piece of metal, and replaced the mount on it. Finally, he securely installed the new license plate.

I was moved by the dedication of the two officers. They took their work seriously, working with care and kindness.
I was stopped for speeding, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Instead of giving me a ticket, they fixed my car and installed my license plate for me. With the end being so different than what I had anticipated, I had cause to stop and reflect.

From now on, I want to be more aware of the speed limit, and not exceed it. It’s been quite some time since this happened, but the mental picture I have of those two kind policemen working diligently on my car has stayed with me for a long time. And it causes a tear to come as I think about it. If each of us would take the time to do one kind thing for another person, then we would have a better and more harmonious society.

In my heart, I exclaim, “ Thank you officers! I salute you for this lesson you have taught me.”