We’ve all had days where we’re running on empty, barely finding time to breathe between tasks. Some days, even using the restroom feels like a luxury, let alone sitting down for a proper meal.

For police officers, the intensity is even greater. They work long, exhausting shifts, dealing with emergencies, protecting the public, and handling life-or-death situations. So, when they finally get a moment to rest, even if just for a few minutes, it’s crucial.

One police officer, PC Andre Owen, found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy when he took a much-needed break during his grueling 12-hour shift. A woman at the restaurant chose to publicly shame him for stopping to eat. His response? It went viral, sparking widespread support from people who appreciate the dedication of law enforcement officers.

A Demanding Job with Little Rest

Being a police officer is no easy task. PC Andre Owen knows that firsthand. He’s spent years serving and protecting the public, often sacrificing his own comfort in the process.

On the day in question, Owen had already worked seven straight hours without a break. He had been handling a serious case in Brighton before driving all the way to Oxford—alone—to continue the job.

By the time he stopped at a service station for food, he still had a long 100-mile drive ahead of him, along with a pile of paperwork waiting at the station. Feeling completely drained, he decided to grab a quick bite at Burger King to fuel himself for the remaining hours of his shift.

But instead of understanding or appreciation, he was met with unexpected criticism.

Publicly Shamed for Grabbing a Meal

As Owen waited for his food, he noticed a woman at the restaurant staring at him. He paid no attention at first, assuming she was just curious. But then, as he was about to leave, she made a snide comment that caught him off guard.

“Get yourself a burger, a soda, and some coffee,” she said, before adding, “There are criminals out there that need to be caught while you’re in here stuffing your face.”

Owen was stunned. He had just spent hours serving the public, handling difficult cases, and working tirelessly to ensure safety—yet here was someone judging him for simply taking a short break to eat.

Instead of engaging with her negativity, Owen chose not to respond. He simply smiled and walked away. However, the experience stayed with him, and later, he took to social media to share what had happened.

A Viral Response and Public Support

Owen’s Twitter post detailing the incident quickly gained traction, receiving thousands of supportive comments from people who recognized the dedication and sacrifice of police officers.

He later explained to The Evening Standard that he wasn’t looking for sympathy but wanted to highlight the challenges officers face daily.

“The tweet wasn’t for sympathy, but to show the public the reality behind what is commonplace in the UK,” Owen said.

His experience resonated with many officers and civilians alike. People from all walks of life expressed their outrage at the woman’s comment and applauded Owen for his professionalism and patience.

A Long Shift That Didn’t End There

What made the woman’s comment even more unjust was that Owen’s shift wasn’t even over when he stopped for that meal.

Just minutes after finishing his food, he encountered a family whose car had broken down on the road. Even though his shift was technically supposed to end soon, he didn’t hesitate to stop and help.

He assisted the stranded couple and their children, ensuring their safety while waiting for roadside assistance. Using his blue lights, he directed traffic around the stalled vehicle to prevent an accident.

By the time everything was resolved, Owen’s shift had stretched to 12 exhausting hours.

A Job He Wouldn’t Trade for Anything

Despite the long hours, the stress, and the occasional lack of appreciation, Owen remains committed to his job.

“I love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world, even though it’s long and the lady annoyed me at the time,” he said.

He, like so many other officers, understands that serving the public isn’t about recognition or rewards—it’s about making a difference.

The Reality of Police Work

Many police officers have similar stories to Owen’s. They risk their lives for people they don’t even know. They work long shifts, miss holidays and family gatherings, and often don’t receive the appreciation they deserve.

All of this, and yet, some people still judge them for taking a short break.

It takes an incredible amount of dedication to put your life on the line for strangers—especially when some of those strangers criticize you for something as simple as eating lunch.

A Reminder to Show Appreciation

The next time you see a police officer grabbing a quick meal, consider this:

You don’t know how many hours they’ve already worked. You don’t know what challenges they’ve faced that day. You don’t know what emergencies they’ve responded to.

Instead of making assumptions, offer them a kind smile. A small act of appreciation can go a long way in reminding them that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Because at the end of the day, police officers are people too.