BELTON, Texas — Belton resident Ricky Jones is used to helping others as the Regional Director of the Texas Law Enforcement PEER Network, an organization that was formed because at one time Texas had the highest rate of police officer suicides. A number that recently has been reduced by 65%.
"I lived in a time where stigma existed," said Jones. He knows the toll the job can take as a retired Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff.
"During that time, we lost several to suicide," said Jones. "Some to alcoholism, mental illness and divorces."
Every day Jones relies on his faith.
"Faith in law enforcement has a place because we see nothing but evil, right?" said Jones. "I like the fact that here in Texas, it's not a crime to talk about Jesus."
It was a parable Jones knows well that taught him an important lesson.
"I'm going through cancer again," Jones told 6 News. "I had it once before. I had the surgeries and treatments and I've just been diagnosed with it recently again. I'm going through treatments and a lot of life changes. It's affecting me physically and I was just having a tough day. I got off work. I went home. I could hardly get out of the car. I mean it was just one of those days emotionally and physically I was spent".
That's when Waste Management Worker Miguel Zavala crossed his path.
"I was driving down the street and servicing the customers like always," said Zavala. "I serviced his can. I saw him. Waved at him like I always do. He waved back. Served the container and put it back on the side of the house and that was it. It was a quick in and out".
Zavala is part of the company's "Green Team." He lives in the Houston area but travels where he's needed. It was on Jones' street that day in Belton that a simple act of kindness was needed more than he would know.
"I walked in the door and he's driving up the street and he honks and waves and I wave back," Jones told 6 News. "I go in the house and I'm in there talking to my wife and she's getting my medicine and everything, and we see this young man pulling the trash can up on to the house. Not a word. Nothing. Takes the trash can and puts it to our backyard about 20 yards away and just got back in his truck and drove off. It was amazing to me".
It was a simple gesture that meant a lot to Jones.
"It struck my heart that there are so many 'Good Samaritans' and no one ever recognizes simple, kind acts," Jones said. "Loving acts. When they see someone struggling like the Good Samaritan. It blessed my heart. I was so moved by that man's kindness".
So was Jones' sister, who is a stroke survivor and often paints him paint-by-numbers oil paintings.
"I didn't expect that," said Zavala.
Jones' sister painted a picture of two hands helping each other for Zavala. Jones presented it to him in a special gathering of police and sanitation workers in Belton to say thank you.
"I have it hanging in my house now," said Zavala. "As soon as you enter the house it's right on the right side. I showed it to my mom, my dad, my daughter. It was something I wasn't expecting."
"What does that painting symbolize to you?" asked 6 News Anchor Lindsay Liepman.
"Helping, reaching out," said Zavala. "That was what the whole purpose was".
"I think this is his character," said Jones. "I think he's done things like this before and no one's ever thanked him. I think it really blessed his heart. I hope it did because he sure blessed my heart."
Zavala says he was just doing his job. A job he's enjoyed for 25 years and says he's here to stay.
"I ain't going nowhere," said Zavala with a laugh.
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