first responder. >> it's my turn. >> reporter: he was the first to truly notice a struggling teen, opening his doors to the high schooler he randomly met on patrol. >> i view him as just another one of our kids. it's kind of odd when he's not around. >> reporter: how has he made the biggest difference in your life? >> he's taught me everything i need to know, stuff i didn't know before. the officer's character and compassion. cops are accustomed to seeing disturbing things but the officer knew he had to intervene when he later responded to a call at anthony's cramped apartment. >> tensions were high. >> reporter: there was a call to 911 and a fight between family members involving alcohol. when the officer pulled the young man aside -- >> it really bothered me because usually when i talk to kids and people, i have an ability, i feel, to get through to them. for some reason, it just ate me up inside. >> reporter: so much so that the officer started making frequent