GOLDEN RULE: One Ridgway-based state trooper was so impressed with the welcoming approach his fellow community members had with a traveling family in distress that he went out of his way to share the story.

Sgt. Steven W. Daniel reported in a press release that “The Golden Rule is alive and well in Elk County.”

That rule he is referring to, of course, is “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

The sergeant states, “As police officers we get to see the best and worst that society has to offer. This past weekend we saw a shining example of the best that society has to offer.

“A family that had relocated to the Pittsburgh area to receive medical care for a terminally ill son was traveling to the Allegheny National Forest for a much-needed family camping getaway. While making the journey through Elk County, the sole family vehicle broke down with a major engine failure.”

A trooper from Ridgway found the family and made a request for assistance.

“As other troopers, business owners and citizens learned of the situation, they either provided or offered the family assistance. The outpouring of care and assistance for a visiting family in need can only be described as outstanding.”

He did not release the names of the list of people who helped, explaining, “They did not want any recognition for their actions and took those actions solely as it was the right thing to do.”

“As someone who holds the Golden Rule close to my heart, it gives me great pride and faith in humanity to see the Golden Rule so unselfishly applied here in Elk County. As this is but only one example, the men and women who live or work here in Elk County have something great to be truly proud of.”