By Tamas Mondovics
A random act of kindness by one local man on behalf of an out-of town police officer on his way to participate in funeral services honoring his fellow officers did not go unnoticed earlier this month.
Rollie Watson, of Plant City, a Heavy Equipment Track Shop mechanic at Ring Power in Riverview for the past 23 years was recognized for assisting Tarpon Springs Police Sgt. Scott “Oz” Osarczuk, a 21-year veteran, who found himself in a bind and just needed a hand.
En route to participate in services honoring fallen Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton and Orange County Sheriff Deputy Norman Lewis, Osarczuk experienced a flat tire on his department-issued 2017 Chevy Tahoe SUV just off Interstate 4 at the Branch Forbes exit.
Short on time and worried about soiling his freshly pressed honor guard uniform ahead of the somber occasion, Osarczuk was in a predicament of being either late or showing up unbefitting the event of which he was a major part.
“Rollie must have overheard my plight and without hesitation told me not to worry he will take care of it so I won’t have to miss the service,” Osarczuk said, adding that it took an hour for his “Good Samaritan” to get the job done due to a difficulty removing the spare tire from the undercarriage.
“It was a miracle to me,” Osarczuk said. “Here is a guy on his way to work who stopped whatever he was doing to help out.”
Watson’s act of kindness, however, did not end there.
“I offered Rollie money for his fantastic service, but he has flat out refused,” Osarczuk said. “The only thing he asked of me was if possible just send a letter to his employer. I was positive he was late for work.”
Osarczuk asked Ring Power to award Watson with a “Citizen Letter of Recognition” for an act or acts in a spirit of civic duty contributing to law enforcement efforts.
To top it all off, Osarczuk made the trip once again, this time to Riverview to pay a surprise visit to Watson at his work and formally present him with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the Tarpon Springs Police Department.
“I was definitely surprised,” Watson said. “I was just glad to help out especially in this situation. I figured he was on his way to the officers’ funeral.”
Turning to his new friend Osarczuk added, “Thank you Rollie. You gave me hope and are a great example that there are still good people out in the world.”
Ring Power Corporation is located at 10421 Fern Hill Dr. in Riverview at exit 250 off I-75, visit www.ringpower.com.
