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Ocala Police Sgt. Erica Hay Shares Meal With Homeless Man

A Florida police officer's touching encounter with a homeless man is going viral after photos of the two of them sharing a meal were posted on Facebook.

Sgt. Erica Hay of the Ocala Police Department was photographed eating with the man by TiAnna Greene, who posted the photos of them sitting together on the curb.

"I don't know this officer, but, I admire her today and everyday. It appeared that she purchased this gentleman's breakfast and decided to sit down and have breakfast with him. Absolutely wonderful act of kindness that seemed to come naturally for her," Greene wrote. "Although I was only blessed to witness less than 2 minutes of her kindness that definitely came from the heart, it truly made my morning!!"

The photos quickly went viral, as Sgt. Hay received national attention for her generosity.

 
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I don't know this officer, but, I admire her today and everyday. It appeared that she purchased this gentleman's...

Posted by TiAnna S. Greene on Thursday, July 16, 2015

"If anyone knows this fine officer, please let her know that she made a difference today not only in the life of this gentleman, but, in the lives of everyone that she comes in contact with," Greene said. "I'm sure of that!! God bless us all!!!"

Hay told TODAY.com she noticed the man on her way to pick up breakfast at a local donut store.

"We're not a large community so I know most everybody, especially the homeless in the area, but I didn't know him," Hay said.

"He was just there by himself alone, so I just grabbed food and went back to eat with him. Nobody wants to eat alone," she said, adding: "I like eating with anybody."

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