Las Vegas Officer Honored for Viral Act of Kindness

Deb Rinkovsky received a "Good Ticket" award after video of her helping a person in a wheelchair went viral.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47am

A Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer named Deb Rinkovsky was recognized with a "Good Ticket" award after a video of her helping a person in a wheelchair navigate a wet road went viral on social media. The department highlighted Rinkovsky's compassion and emphasized how everyday acts of kindness by officers often go unnoticed, even though they are central to community policing.

Why it matters

The viral video of Rinkovsky's act of kindness helped showcase the compassionate side of law enforcement and challenged the common perception of police as solely focused on enforcement. The department's "Good Ticket" program aims to highlight these types of positive interactions and build trust between the police and the community.

The details

The video, recorded by a bystander, shows Rinkovsky, an eight-year Metro veteran, stepping in to assist a person in a wheelchair navigate a wet road during heavy rain. The LVMPD amplified the moment on social media, noting that "Moments like this may not always be seen, but they happen every day." Rinkovsky, who previously had a career in nursing, is known for her focus on empathy, communication, and staying calm under pressure. She also mentors younger officers and stresses the importance of experience and maturity when responding to complex or emotional calls.

  • The incident occurred in February 2026.
  • The LVMPD's "Good Ticket" program began in 2022.

The players

Deb Rinkovsky

An eight-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department who previously had a career in nursing. Rinkovsky is known for her focus on empathy, communication, and staying calm under pressure, and she mentors younger officers.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The law enforcement agency responsible for policing the city of Las Vegas, Nevada. The department has implemented a "Good Ticket" program to recognize officers for positive behavior and acts of compassion.

LVMPD Foundation

A nonprofit organization that collaborates with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to support various initiatives, including the "Good Ticket" program.

Resorts World Las Vegas

A resort and casino complex in Las Vegas that partnered with the LVMPD Foundation to provide an award package for Rinkovsky's "Good Ticket" recognition.

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What’s next

The LVMPD plans to continue highlighting positive interactions between officers and the community through the "Good Ticket" program, with the goal of building trust and fostering a more compassionate image of law enforcement.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates how small acts of kindness by police officers can have a significant impact on the community and challenge negative perceptions of law enforcement. The LVMPD's focus on recognizing and amplifying these types of positive interactions is a model for other departments to follow in building stronger relationships with the people they serve.