Heroic Central New York Police Officer Getting National Attention

A Syracuse police officer who captured hearts across Central New York is about to go national.

Officer Jamie Pastorello noticed a woman struggling up a hill with a heavy box of groceries in freezing weather.

He pulled over and asked, “Do you need a ride?” — a simple question that meant the world to Rhea Holmes, who had been sleeping under a tarp on her husband’s grave at Oakwood Cemetery after losing her home and ID.

READ MORE: Simple Act of Kindness Goes Viral

Rhea Finds a New Home

What started as a moment of human kindness quickly went viral online.

The community rallied around Rhea, from Le Moyne College, providing temporary shelter to a local nonprofit that helped her move into a permanent tiny home.

READ MORE: A Ride That Changed Everything - Homeless Woman Gets New Home

Less than a month later, she had a safe, stable place to live — a life-changing turn sparked by one officer’s empathy.

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Getting National Attention

Now, the story that warmed the hearts of Central New York is reaching audiences across the country.

This Friday, January 23, at 6:30 PM on CBS Evening News, correspondent Steve Hartman’s “On The Road” segment will highlight the incredible bond between Pastorello and Rhea, showing how a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impact.