Volunteers celebrate traffic police officers on int'l day

AMMAN — For traffic police officer Majid Mashagbeh, who starts regulating traffic on the capital's streets early every morning, Wednesday was a day he will always remember. 

When Mashagbeh went to the 3rd Circle to do his job, he was approached by a group of young Jordanians who served him coffee and gave him a small gift. 

They wanted to express their gratitude to traffic officers in Amman on the occasion of International Traffic Day. 

"This gesture shows that Jordanians are like one person and we can conquer all hardships," Mashagbeh told The Jordan Times. 

He was among 50 police officers who were approached by volunteers representing the Khalil Salem Charity Society (KSCS), which seeks to serve communities and spread the culture of voluntary work.

Marah Yousef, media coordinator at KSCS, said the idea is to show appreciation to these officers who leave their families and children behind to serve Ammanis. 

"We wanted to thank them in our way with a friendly touch," she told The Jordan Times. 

"The volunteers went to many locations in Amman, including the 1st, 3rd, 7th and Interior Ministry circles," Yousef added. 

Farah Nabulsi, one of the volunteers, said she was happy to meet many policewomen. 

"They usually help us without being asked when we drive."  

Her colleague, Ghassan Nasim, 26, said he heard about the activity through social media and wanted to take part out of respect to traffic officers' key role.

Ruqayah Fuqaha, a sergeant, said she was amazed that some people remembered the occasion and decided to mark it with a beautiful gesture. 

"Such actions will help raise awareness and this shows that there are many people who appreciate our efforts," she added.  

"Our message on this occasion to motorists is to urge them to avoid traffic violations, especially the use of mobiles while driving."