BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — Jud Smith, 5, didn’t understand why everyone was crying.
He didn’t understand the horror that unfolded at Apalachee High School when two teachers and two students were killed last week.
What he did understand was that his friend-- a friend who shares his name and happens to be the Barrow County Sheriff, needed a hug.
Sheriff Jud Smith could barely hold it together at the news conference following the school shooting last week.
He could hardly hold back tears as he comforted the families impacted by this tragedy at the vigils held in their honor.
But he couldn’t help but cry when little Jud ran over to give him a hug.
"It was emotional for everyone, but after the conclusion of the memorial, little Jud ran ahead of me a little bit. He and Big Jud have been friends for awhile, but when he got up to him, he pulled on his cargo pocket. When Sheriff Smith looked down, he crouched down on one knee and just loved on my little one. Sheriff Jud's family sends him out every day to protect mine and I wanted to make sure we never take that for granted. As I saw them hugging, I started tearing up and just felt compelled to capture the moment," said little Jud's mom, Courtney, who snapped the photo.
No, little Jud may not have understood everything that was going on, but he knew his friend needed support and comfort.
