For many law enforcement officers, it’s the smallest show of kindness that makes the biggest difference. One Gulfport, MS, police officer had to fight back tears as a young girl presented him with a new “partner” to keep him safe.

Officer Josh McConnell recounted the touching moment Tuesday in a Facebook post. Since making the post, McConnell’s story has garnered dozens of likes, shares and encouraging comments.

McConnell said he was on patrol at Courthouse Pier on Highway 90 when a young girl approached him holding a teddy bear. What happened next could bring a smile to any law enforcement veteran, KCTV reports.

“I turned and asked what I could do for her and she hands me her bear. I tried to give it back but she refused,” McConnell wrote. “She looked up at me and said it was to keep me safe. I said thank you while trying to keep my voice from cracking. I put the bear on my passenger seat for her to see.”