Westport Police Officer Helps Stranded Driver Reach Her Destination

It's a new week and another heartwarming story our of Westport.

When Kim Botelho’s car broke down on Route 88 on the morning of Thursday, October 23, she figured her day was over before it even began. Instead, a Westport police officer turned a moment of stress into one of gratitude.

“Just want to give a shoutout to Officer Mack from the Westport Police Department,” Kim wrote in a community post that quickly gained attention. “He went above and beyond when my car broke down on RT 88 this morning. After he helped me get it towed, he dropped me off at Gooseberry Island for the Coastal Stroll I was supposed to be co-leading with the Land Trust. Thank you, Mack!! And thank you to Dan from the Council on Aging and the other gentleman who helped push it to the side of the road. I’m so grateful to you all!”

A Simple Act of Kindness

Officer Cody Mack, a six-and-a-half-year veteran of the Westport Police Department, was on patrol when he noticed Botelho’s vehicle stranded near Charlotte Way.

“I didn’t want her to get clipped,” he said. “At first, I just wanted to provide lights for safety and see if she needed a hand.”

READ MORE: Westport Deputy Chief’s Sweet Gesture For 5-Year-Old Birthday Girl

After diagnosing what turned out to be a transmission issue, Officer Mack called for a tow from Brayton’s Garage and helped Botelho arrange the repair. When she mentioned she was supposed to lead a community event at Gooseberry Island but couldn’t get a ride, Mack didn’t hesitate.

“I told her, ‘Hey, I can give you a ride right down the road.’ So we went to Gooseberry and just chatted along the way,” he said. “She was a little nervous, but I just wanted to make sure she and her car were safe.”

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From Navy to Neighborhood

Mack, 32, is a Tiverton native who found his calling after serving in the U.S. Navy.

“I was working in a factory and didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. “When I joined the Navy, they asked if I wanted to be a police officer. I fell in love with it and decided to keep doing it on the civilian side.”

Now a familiar face in Westport, Mack says the best part of his job is helping people in ways that make their day a little better.

“You might be the first person someone interacts with that day,” he said. “How you treat them can shape the rest of their day. It’s about leaving a little positive piece behind.”

A Reflection of Community Spirit

Thanks to Officer Mack’s kindness, Botelho made it to Gooseberry Island just in time to catch up with her group and co-lead the Coastal Stroll event as planned.

Moments like these serve as a reminder that the badge represents more than authority. It represents compassion, community and a willingness to go the extra mile.

Kudos, Officer Mack. Well done.