Photo: Country music superstar Randy Travis surprises Officer Keith Bartlett; source, NBC DFW
A Gainesville (TX) police officer Keith Bartlett responded to a bogus call—only to return to the station for a surprise visit and Christmas from country singer Randy Travis, according to a NBC DFW news report.
A few years ago, Officer Bartlett responded to a theft call at Travis’ ranch. As an officer, Bartlett was there when Travis needed help dealing with an unfortunate situation. And while interacting with famous persons and superstars is often a hallmark of a law enforcement career, Travis would soon return the kindness and consideration—coincidentally, when Officer Bartlett’s family needed help.
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On December 12, a fire occurred at Officer Bartlett’s home. The Bartlett family were safe, but their home was a complete loss due to damage from the fire. Most of the Bartlett’s possessions were lost including Officer Bartlett’s prized Gibson guitar—the one he played for hours and during church services as well.
The fire left Bartlett’s guitar charred and damaged beyond repair.
Fellow police officers and the rest of the community helped the Bartlett family after the fire, and helped them get situated in a temporary home. That’s when Randy Travis and his family heard about the Bartlett’s situation and decided to help.
Mary Travis contacted the folks at Gibson, the makers of the guitar that Bartlett lost. When Mary told them about the Bartlett’s situation, they sent a new one out straight away.
And while Bartlett was in the middle of working his patrol shift on Christmas, he returned to the station to find the Travis family—who spent some time visiting with Bartlett and his fellow officers, and presented Bartlett with a brand new, guitar, that Randy autographed.
In response to the new guitar and the thoughtfulness of the Travis family, officer Bartlett said, “Surprised isn’t even the word for it…these are amazing people.”
