School Students honor Resource Officer with Flash Mob taking help of Dude. Be Nice campaign

By NTD Inspired
NTD Inspired
NTD Inspired
December 3, 2017Updated: December 23, 2017

Civil servants such as those in the medical field, fire fighters, and the police force are employed to complete their duty towards the public. But how many times do they get told that they are doing an awesome job? One such policeman was in utter disbelief when the school children that he had been protecting, gave him a “tribute” to remember!

As a police officer, Mitch Brouillette is detailed oriented and keeps an eye out for suspicious activity around the campus—however, in this one instance of “ambush”, he had no inkling of what was going to happen and was totally caught by surprise.

In fact, Brouillette was being awarded a job well-done by “Dude. Be Nice campaign”, which helps to “inspire people to build a positive community by recognizing a person or group in a meaningful way.”

The event was headed by Heritage High’s leadership team to honor Brouillette, the Brentwood school’s resource officer.

“I was more than surprised–more like overwhelmed,” Brouillette said. “It was so much to take in at the moment.”

Epoch Times Photo

Epoch Times Photo

Brouillette fell into the trap when he was asked to view a questionable video posted on social media by a student. The video turned out to be a tribute showing students singing his praises and thanking him for all that he does.

He was overwhelmed and so full of emotion when he was invited to step outside where a hoard of students greeted him with a flash mob to one of his favorite songs, “Downtown” by Macklemore & Lewis!

His “initial reaction was shock… almost disbelief that all of it was for me. I could actually say I was lost in the moment.”, he said.

Epoch Times Photo

Teacher Jessica Banchieri who contacted the Dude. Be Nice folks said; “My class decided to honor Officer Mitch because he goes above and beyond every single day with our students.”

She also added: “He is one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I have ever met. He takes care of every student in the most caring and kind way – no matter what is going on. Kids love him because he treats them with respect while also holding them accountable for their actions.”

In addition to the thank-you video and flash mob, Officer Mitch also received game tickets to his favorite basketball team—the Miami Heat—and the Dude project awarded him with a signed Dan Marino jersey (another favorite). A baseball fan, Officer Mitch also received a bucket of balls signed with messages from an array of students.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have that support from the students,” Brouillette said.
“My favorite part about working at (Heritage) is to have (them) talk to me and share about themselves. It gives me a chance to actually know these kids, learn their names, their stories. It is pretty amazing to be trusted and respected in that way.”
“I have had many people come up to shake my hand … I have had people from across the nation reach out and contact me by social media and telephone. The whole thing is overwhelming and humbling.”

Images credit: Youtube Screenshot | DUDEbenice.