Swift, heroic off-duty action

Miami-Dade Police Department Sergeant Nicole Donnelly took matters into her own hands, while off-duty and on vacation in Texas, and saved the day at a small diner in downtown Dallas.

While enjoying breakfast in a restaurant filled with families, an unstable man with sharp pieces of wood entered the restaurant swinging them at anyone near him, while threatening to hit and stab the customers dining. The man, who was in a wheelchair, was approached by waiters who yelled at him to leave, which only further agitated him. He picked up a chair to throw at the waiter.

The entire restaurant was silent and in shock. Sergeant Donnelly walked over to him and spoke with him calmly, reassuring him that everything was okay. She handed something to him and offered to assist him out of the restaurant. As the waiter continued to yell at the man and customers dialed 911 for assistance, Sergeant Donnelly advised the waiter that the situation is under control and there was no need to worry. The families dining remained in complete silence.

Sergeant Donnelly ushered the man out of the restaurant and after a few minutes of talking to him, she was able to calm him down enough for him to leave the diner. When Sergeant Donnelly walked back into the diner, everyone at the restaurant began to clap and praise her bravery and calm demeanor.

People approached Sergeant Donnelly to thank her for keeping their families safe, and while Sergeant Donnelly made it seem like it was just a normal day for her, many families were impressed with how she handled the situation.

“She was a hero that day. That situation could’ve escalated quickly. I wanted to take the time to make sure you know what an amazing officer Ms. Nicole Donnelly is. Please know from the bottom of my heart, I will forever be grateful,” said Flores, a witness to the event.

This is one example of the various circumstances officers may face at any given moment. The heroic action provided by Sergeant Donnelly made a difference to how everything turned out that day for everyone who stopped by the diner.