Police officer and young demonstrator share hug during Ferguson rally in Portland

[Triana]

As thousands gathered to make their voices heard during a rally earlier this week, one officer and a young man paused to hear each other out.

This image, shot by freelance photographer Johnny Nguyen, shows Portland Police Sgt. Bret Barnum hugging 12-year-old Devonte Hart during the Ferguson demonstration in Portland on Nov. 25, 2014.

According to Sgt. Barnum, the interaction took place at the beginning of the rally. With emotions running high as speakers were addressing the crowd, he noticed a young man with tears in his eyes holding a "" target="_blank">Free Hugs" sign among a group of people.

Sgt. Barnum motioned him over and the two started talking about the demonstration, school, art and life. As the conversation ended, Sgt. Barnum pointed to his sign and asked, "Do I get one of those?" The moment following his question was captured in the photo above, which shows Devonte's eyes welling up with tears once again as he embraces the officer.

Devonte, it turns out, has a life story that's almost as big as his heart.

After the exchange, Devonte rejoined his family and friends participating in the rally and Sgt. Barnum, a 21-year-veteran, went back about his duties.

LINK: http://www.oregonlive.com/multimedia/index.ssf/2014/11/photo_police_officer_and_citiz.html

EDIT:

From the link about his life story:

Another video of little huggmeister Devonte:

&feature=youtu.be&t=8m32s

And another photo of this inspiring kid:

[jillan]

1. I have something in my eye.

Why can't there be more of this???

[jwirr]

2. Wonderful. We now have this one policeman that can be trusted. More need to step up. At least it is

a start.

The expression on the young mans face speaks volumes. Tears.

[freshwest]

3. Tears soften hard hearts. Thanks, Devonte! May you be surrounded by love, always!

[sheshe2]

4. Oh freshwest, the look on Devotes precious face~

[sheshe2]

5. Okay, that did it!

Tears, yet a beautiful sweet story. Devonte, you are so beautiful as is your amazing family.

Thank you so very much for your Op, Triana.

[johnnyreb]

6. K&R

[MrBig]

7. Devonte is mature well beyond his years

12 years old and bringing a sign like that to the rally true shows heart and compassion.

And credit to Sgt. Bret Barnum - I'm hopeful that more police officers took Devonte up on his offer (and just weren't photographed), but Sgt. Barnum appears to have an understanding of the role police officers should have in their community.