KANSAS CITY, Mo. – More than a year ago, De Nearle Clarke was driving near 63rd and Hardesty when he lost control of his car. It rolled three times, and Clarke was thrown from it.
But fortunately for him, driving right behind him was Officer Sebastien Hanriot. He saw the wreck, cancelled his other call and immediately helped badly injured Clarke.
Clarke credits him with saving his life, and Thursday, he surprised Officer Hanriot to tell him thank you.
“Thank you for saving my life,” Clarke said.
“Oh, no problem. You’re welcome. It’s a pleasure,” a stunned Hanriot replied.
Da Nearle is an intern for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Someday, he says he wants to be in law enforcement, in part, because of Officer Hanriot.
“He rescued me. You know, saved my life,” Clarke said. “I could have lost my life. That quick. In the blink of an eye. I’m just happy to be here.”
The gratitude catches Officer Hanriot off-guard.
“It’s rare. It’s refreshing, but it’s rare. I really appreciate him taking the time to do it because it really means a lot to all of us,” he said.
He downplays his work, saying it was just part of his job, but to this young man with a bright future and his proud parents, it’s a job well done.
“Somebody saved my son’s life. Man I applaud him every day,” said father Pat Clarke.
Da Nearle’s injuries landed him in the hospital for a week. He says his road to recovery was long and painful, but every day since the accident, he’s thought about the kind, capable officer who saved his life and kept his family calm.
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