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Last updated on Monday, November 28, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - In the evening hours of Wednesday November 23rd, Trooper Dan Criswell and his trainee, Trooper TY Mays, were dispatched to check a disabled vehicle on I-70 westbound near the airport.
Upon arrival, the troopers found a white work van stalled in the roadway occupied by 59 year old Daniel Breaux of Church Point Louisiana. The two troopers pushed Breaux's van to a safe location on the shoulder and began to strike up a conversation, offering help to the man. They soon learned Mr. Breaux had traveled to Indianapolis to help a family member move to the area and he was on his way back home to Louisiana, but unfortunately only had $100, which was just enough for gas money to get home. He believed the problem with his van was the alternator. Trooper Criswell offered all assistance he could think of, however Mr. Breaux politely declined and said he was going to call some friends for help. Criswell and Mays left Mr. Breaux with his van along I-70, but they soon returned with a warm meal for him, again offering to give him a ride or help him. Mr. Breaux was confident he would reach somebody for help and politely declined any assistance from the troopers.
Trooper Dan Criswell was unable to stop thinking about Mr. Breaux and how polite and respectful he was. Early this Thanksgiving morning, while off duty, Criswell decided to drive back to the location he last saw Breaux to be sure he was able to get help. Much to his surprise, Breaux was still there, asleep in his van. Criswell stopped to speak with him, this time determined to get him help with his vehicle. Trooper Criswell contacted several towing companies in the area, all of which told him the price for their service would be much more than the $100 Mr. Breaux had. Criswell then called D&D Auto and Towing LLC out of Clayton Indiana and explained the situation. Without hesitation, D&D towing responded to the disabled van and offered their tow services free of charge. They towed the broken down van back to Trooper Criswell's house where his brother Kyle, a mechanic, was on his way to meet them and work on the van. Upon inspection of the van, Kyle determined the problems were much more than an alternator. As Trooper Criswell and his brother Kyle began talking about options, their other brother Dustin Criswell, Vice Principal at Perry Meridian Middle School, arrived to help. Dustin happened to own an old pick-up truck that was no longer used and he offered to give Mr. Breaux the pick-up, as a gift to keep, so he could safely return home. Instead of working on the broken down van, the brothers worked on the pick-up to ensure it was ready for a road trip.
Going even further, the Criswell brothers decided to invite their new friend over to their parents' home to celebrate Thanksgiving with their family. During dinner the family spent time getting to know Mr. Breaux and even took up a collection to ensure the military veteran had enough money for everything he might need on his trip home.
Police officers often go above and beyond expectations and this is just one example of selfless dedication to service. A small family owned business, D & D Auto and Towing generously offered their services, which started this chain of kindness.
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