Detective James Fares is like so many of his New York Police Department peers in that he was inspired to join the force after witnessing the heroics of first responders who jumped into action following the tragic attacks of 9/11.

Twenty years later, his own actions inspired another young man to pursue a career in law enforcement. Last month, that connection came full circle when Fares surprised Christian Leon a day before his graduation from the Police Academy.

Fares first encountered Leon in November 2021 when he came upon a vehicle collision while driving off duty. Instinctively, he stopped to render aid to one of the drivers, who, it turns out, was Leon.

“I grabbed him, and I think flames came up after, but I just pulled him out and got him to safety. Called for an ambulance, called for the fire department,” Fares told amNewYork.

To this day, Leon vividly remembers the details of the incident: “I was behind another vehicle, just waiting for traffic to clear up, and then I suddenly see a car just rushing down the lane that I’m in, and he travels into me, and everything was slow motion … I didn’t know what happened. I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t do anything.”

Nor could he thank the police officer who saved his life. However, Leon never forgot what that cop did for him. In fact, because of Fares’ actions, Leon was inspired to become a police officer, despite facing struggles after the accident.

While mid-sentence during an on-air interview with amNewYork describing why he chose a career in law enforcement, Fares once again showed up. This time, he introduced himself.

“I got goosebumps right now,” exclaimed Leon. “He’s the reason why I’m here, because he helped me when I needed help the most.”

After pinning on Leon’s badge, Fares said, “To help him and to help others, it’s a great thing. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”