Remembering the “Good Samaritan”
Last week the St. Louis community learned of the tragic death of “Good Samaritan” Roger Kruetz, the man who tried to stop theives from stealing a tip jar from a local Starbucks. There have been many blogs and discussions about this incident, including asking, “would you have tried to stop him?” Many people say they would, and they still would even knowing what happened to him.
Thousands of people every day come to the aid of victims or injustice. It may be by physically helping citizens out of danger, reporting crime, helping maintain Neighborhood Watch programs, as law enforcement professionals, working in local community centers reaching out to victims, etc. It is the everyday heros, like Roger, that inspire us the most. People who are simply and completely dedicated to doing the right thing.
In a national community where “no snitching” is the rule, Roger is a beautiful exception. His death reminds us of how desperately little gain people will commit horrific crimes for (he was run over in an escape attempt - to escape with little more than $5). But his death also reminds us of what we all hope for: friends, neighbors, citizens who want to do (and will do) the right thing. All of us want a Roger by our side.
My hope - my prayer - is that the community does not forget his sacrifice. He lost his life for justice - to remind each of us that there is something we can all do, however small, to help others and uphold the values of our community. Roger set a shining example of a caring, dedicated citizen. I can only hope I will live up to such an example.
Julie Lawson, Executive Director
