Woman meets PBSO deputy she witnessed helping man and woman in need

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A local woman got to meet her hero on Friday.

He was also the subject of her social media post that went viral when a Palm Beach County deputy gave two strangers socks and shoes.

After the sheriff's office watched CBS112 News story with Jeronia Lucas Wednesday, the agency asked her if she wanted to personally meet the deputy.

Of course she jumped at the chance of meeting the man she calls a superhero.

“Thank you so much,” Jeronia Lucas said.

Lucas' face and actions say it all.

“I can’t believe this," she said. "It’s such an honor, you are my superhero."

On Friday, Lucas got to meet Capt. J.B. Killingsworth, the deputy who bought two strangers socks and shoes.

His generous actions changed Lucas’ perception of law enforcement.

“You really changed my life," she said. "You really changed my heart and changed my mind. You made me be a better person."

Humbled by her words, Capt. Killingsworth told Lucas it’s almost common practice.

“I would like to say it was some great noble thing. It’s these deputies on patrol do it everyday. And it wasn't even a conscious thing. You were there, she was wearing a plastic bag on her foot. You can't drive away from that,” Capt. Killingsworth.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said just as Lucas was moved by the deputy, he was moved by her story.

A former addict who lived on the streets and found a path to recovery.

“Even though that’s a good story, to me you are the real story," Bradshaw said. "You know why? Because you've turned your life around. You are a role model for people in this county."

Bradshaw awarded Lucas with a certificate where she gets to spend a day with a deputy.