Folsom Police Officer's Stop Leaves Big Impression On Boys

FOLSOM (CBS13) — It was a surprising and sudden stop made by a veteran local police officer that left a lasting impression.

It was a sun-soaked afternoon when Folsom Police Sgt. Lou Wright spotted the subjects on a quiet street in a picturesque neighborhood.

He knew he had to made a move. Even though the 11-year veteran had no prior contact with the individuals, his officer instinct told him to zero-in on what was happening.

The focus of his attention was three males who were moving about wildly right about here, and they were passing something back and forth, sometimes tossing it up into the air.

One witness was slightly concerned, but those worries went away when Melanie Myers-Airola realized her three boys—7-year-old twins Blake and Brennon and 9-year-old Trevor—were just being kids.

"I approached them and I said give me the ball, let me play with you," Wright said. "You guys can teach me a few things and just started shootin' some hoops with 'em."

Mom thought about taking video of the officer shooting hoops in full uniform with her boys, but she didn't want to ruin the moment. She did post a thank you on Facebook for leaving what , and that's what caught our eye.

"I just was so impressed by how genuine he was and he took the time to play with my kids," she said.

Her kids were just as impressed and surprised.

So why did he do it?

"I don't do stuff for the publicity or the pat on the back; I do it because it's what's right," he said. "And hopefully if I was the first impression that they've ever had or interaction they've had with law enforcement, that they would remember that down the road."

The interaction didn't stop there. He found out it was the twins' birthday.

"I told them I had to run back to the station real quick and I went and got three of our department challenge coins," he said.

The coin includes the Folsom Police Department values, and might as well have the face of Wright.

"If those kids remember that interaction for years to come and how positive it was to them then I've accomplished my goal as a police officer and a member of the Folsom Police Department," he said.