This Police Officer Befriended and Became the Guardian for a Veteran Suffering From Dementia

Four years ago, police officer Jon Sterling responded to a report of suspicious activity. He had no idea at the time how it would change his life.

The call was put in by a Korean War veteran identified as Norm. Jon Sterling quickly bonded with him due to their similarities.

He told Inside Edition, “He’s (Norm) a little bit eccentric, and he’s got a way about him that I really liked cause I’m a little bit eccentric myself.”

Sterling and Norm become close enough friends that when the veteran seemingly vanished, the police officer made it a mission to find him. Eventually, Sterling tracked him down, and was shocked to find Norm in bad shape. Realizing Norm needed help, Sterling decided to take matters into his own hands.

Sterling launched a GoFundMe page to help Norm, where he explained the situation in detail:

“This is Norm. Norm lives alone. He is a Korean War veteran. I met Norm 4 years ago and we bonded immediately. Recently Norm’s health has taken a turn. He was diagnosed with dementia. After a brief stay in the hospital the court awarded me guardianship of Norm. I’ve applied for veteran benefits for Norm and looked for a suitable placement for him. The good news is that between his Social Security benefits and new veteran benefits he can receive the care he needs. The bad news is that it will cost $5500 to get him in the door. Norm has no family to take care of him and I am determined to get him the help he needs. I took Norm to see the facility and he is eager to move in. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.”

The campaign launched on February 26, and was a massive success right out of the gate. The GoFundMe blew past its $5,500 goal for a total of $9,365 as of March 1.

Jon Sterling took to Facebook to express his — and Norm’s — gratitude for all the contributions.

“Because of YOU Norm received more than what I asked for in less than 24 hours. A thousand thanks. Norm called me as I was walking in the door home around 6PM. I told him about it and he said I was going to make him cry. THANK ALL OF YOU!” he wrote.

Your Daily Dish has reached out to Jon Sterling for a comment.