Would you walk 20 miles to make it on time for your first day at a new job? Well, this 20-years-old Alabama college student did just that.
The night before Walter Carr’s first day on the job, his 2003 Nissan Altima broke down. He called his friends and his girlfriend to try to get a ride, but nothing worked out.
Carr set off at midnight from Homewood for the 20-mile journey. “I wanted to be there before 8,” he said. “I wanted to beat the crew members there to let the company know how dedicated I am.”
MOVING MOMENT: Emotional scene plays out as young man who walked 20 miles to his first day at work is gifted company CEO’s personal car as thanks for his dedication to the job. https://t.co/4cqFiyFxaN pic.twitter.com/I2OOAaHWlO
— ABC News (@ABC) July 18, 2018
He had made it to Pelham at 4am when police officer Mark Knighten saw him walking on the side of the road and asked if he was okay. Carr told the officer that he was walking to work. Knighten was so astonished by his story that he and two other officers bought him breakfast at Whataburger.
Knighten and officers Klint Rhodes and Carl Perkinson then took Carr to a church so he could be in a safe place before it was time to go to work.
When officer Scott Duffey went to pick Carr up in the morning, he was already walking to work again. Duffey picked up the student and drove him to the house of Jenny Lamey, who Carr was scheduled to help move that day.
Carr said once the officer told Lamey and her husband Chris his story, they insisted he rest for a while. After the moving job was done, Lamey, impressed by Carr’s determination, shared his story on Facebook.
Lamey’s post went viral and caught the attention of Luke Marklin, the Bellhops CEO.
This is an incredible story. The grit and heart Walter showed defines Bellhops’ culture precisely. I’m really proud to be on the same team as Walter… we set a high bar on service and he just raised it. Look forward to thanking him in person this week. https://t.co/Fr4ytu5CM1
— Luke Marklin (@LukeMarklin) July 15, 2018
On Monday Marklin told Carr that he wanted to meet him for a coffee to say thank you for his dedication and then surprised him with the incredible gift. Marklin gifted him his personal Ford Escape.
“I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think that 20-mile walk would mean anything to anybody.” he said. “I’m really thankful for it, the car, for everything,” Carr added, expressing his gratitude.