Officer praised after karaoke video goes viral on social media
FOLLOWING Sergeant Jon Harris’ impromptu performance of Gloria Gaynor’s 'I Will Survive' at the Waterloo Bar, a popular gay venue in Glasgow, manager Scott Langford has praised the officer, saying: "For the police it’s been the right thing."
At the 'Wacky Wednesday' night at the bar this week, punters were left whooping and cheering when 'Sgt Jon' got up on stage in full uniform and belted out the karaoke classic after resolving a dispute which resulted in the arrest of a 23-year-old man.
Within hours, footage of his performance was being reported and commented on all over the world.
Bar manager Langford told CommonSpace: "For us it’s been the right thing, for the police it’s been the right thing. With this being a gay bar, and with us coming into Pride season, I feel like it might restore the [public perception of] humanity in the police. He went beyond doing his job."
He added that there was a feeling of unease when the police entered the bar, but that everyone was excited to have been there to witness the performance.
He stated that this kind of community involvement might move the LGBTI community away from feeling threatened or targeted by the police.
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Mark Sutherland issued a statement following the video, saying that Sgt Jon had "helped defuse any simmering tensions in the pub".
“With this being a gay bar, and with us coming into Pride season, I feel like it might restore the [public perception of] humanity in the police. He went beyond doing his job.” Bar manager Scott Langford
Last year, Gay Police Association (GPA) Scotland was awarded with the 'Staff Network of the Year' accolade, while The Waterloo Bar won 'Venue of the Year' at the same ceremony.
The bar is currently making efforts to contact Sgt Jon to ask him to come back for a repeat performance. Langford joked that his co-workers would be welcome to become his backing dancers.
Picture courtesy of YouTube
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
