Famed college basketball coach John Wooden is often attributed with the following quote: The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.

I thought about that quote when looking back at a story L’OBSERVATEUR published Oct. 4, 2017, with a headline at lobservateur.com that reads: “Giving Back: Deputies replace stolen Reserve church TV.”

The feel-good piece starts, unfortunately enough, with the burglary of Tchoupitoulas Chapel on River Road in Reserve.

The location was victimized by the thefts of a TV, speakers, microphones and other music equipment.

Deputy Benjamin Teekell heard about the case and knew he had to do something.

“People always say ‘I’m sorry that happened’ or ‘I hope it works out,’ but sometimes you have to be the hands and feet for others and be the change you want to see,” Teekell said.

Teekell approached others in his shift, starting a team effort to raise money to replace the stolen equipment. The result was a surprise donation of a new 40-inch TV for the church.

What Teekell shared with a L’OBSERVATEUR reporter after speaks to his character.

“I’ve always been a big giver,” Teekell said. “That’s part of the reason I, and others, joined the police force. At the end of the day, it’s about helping the community and victims of crime.”

For every “you” or “I” question that was asked of him, Teekell responded with “we” or “team.” In the quote mentioned above, he made sure to add the “and others.”

He could have patted himself on the back, and it wouldn’t have come off as self-promoting considering the nature of the story.

Yet, when no one was looking, he clearly and definitively talked about team and others. I’ve been interviewing sources and writing stories for approximately 20 years and that’s not the norm; it’s the exception.

Benjamin Teekell is the exception.

That’s why our community unites in its grieving for Benjamin and his family at the loss of their young daughter, Addisyn Alliece Teekell.

The beautiful 5-year-old was tragically killed as the result of injuries suffered in a head-on collision April 6 in Ascension Parish.

In the aftermath of what is surely every parent’s worst nightmare, Benjamin shared on social media: “As for the driver who took my princess Addisyn away, if I can’t forgive you then I am a hypocrite to what I preached to her … and for her sake, I forgive you.”

Addisyn’s many loving family members and friends are laying her to rest this weekend in Resthaven Gardens of Memory following services at Healing Place Arena in Baton Rouge.

Family and friends are quick to point out her faith in Jesus Christ and second homes of Healing Place Church and The Church in Saint Amant.

In lieu of flowers for her funeral, those who knew Addisyn best are asking for memorial contributions to “Tu-Tu’s for Addisyn,” where all proceeds and tu-tu’s will be donated to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

Donations in her name to Ascension Parish Head Start are also encouraged because of the program’s positive impact on Addisyn’s growth and education.

Addisyn, like her father, exercised strong character. Now it’s time for everyone to see it.

Let’s close with something Lucinda Murphy, of Tchoupitoulas Chapel, shared last year when speaking about Benjamin Teekell and the help of his Sheriff’s Office family.

“I want people to know there are caring police officers doing good things in the community,” Murphy said. “This is something they chose to do. It wouldn’t have hurt them or changed their lives if they didn’t do it, but they still chose to help.”

Stephen Hemelt is publisher and editor of L’OBSERVATEUR. He can be reached at 985-652-9545 or stephen.hemelt@lobservateur.com.