CLEVELAND — Heading in to work in the morning can be tough, but an Ohio police officer is helping put some pep in people's steps by bringing a boost of energy to everyone who passes by. 

What You Need To Know

  • Cpl. Eric Hudson is spreading joy and positivity while assisting pedestrians cross 89th Street on the Cleveland Clinic campus

  • He's volunteered to work at the crosswalk between an employee parking lot and the health care facility during the morning commute

  • His infectious energy is gaining him worldwide attention on social media
​“Good morning, good morning,” said Cleveland Clinic Police Cpl. Eric Hudson to a group of hospital employees on their way to work. “We’re gonna start out energetic, not pathetic. Welcome to the Cleveland Clinic.”

Outside one of the top-ranked health care centers in the country, you could say Hudson is doing some healing in his own way. He uses some fancy footwork to help lighten people’s loads.

“I’m dressed for the mission. I’m not dressed for a prescription,” he said. “I’m dressed for the mission.”

Wearing a neon safety vest and waving a bright orange wand, his mission is putting a smile on people’s faces while controlling traffic at a crosswalk on 89th Street in Cleveland. 

“I’m heat in the street. All I gotta do is move them feet,” Hudson said while dancing in the middle of the crosswalk.

Armed with a speaker blasting 80's music, he brings a jolt of joy to clinic employees heading in to work. 

“I deliver for the caregivers,” he said. “They feed off of me and I feed off of them. It’s therapeutic. Especially not knowing the load they’re carrying when they’re walking into the building when they’re dealing with patients. So, if they don’t have that good energy, it’s hard to give it to the patients.”

He also catches the attention of folks just driving by, receiving honks and waves. 

“That’s priceless. You can’t put no value on that,” Hudson said. “Just to say good morning and decompress somebody.”

He helps health care workers like Kate Sibila start their day on the right foot. 

“Sets me in the right mood and puts a smile on my face,” she said. “It makes me grateful that I have a job and that I’m here helping people.”

Hudson’s served with the Cleveland Clinic Police Department for nearly two decades, working his way up the ranks to a supervisor. He said he’s been volunteering to work at the crosswalk for about two weeks.

He said a video of him dancing on duty was posted to social media by a nurse, gaining him viral attention worldwide. But, Hudson said he’s not in it for the likes, he just wants to share the love.

“When they hug you and they break down in your arms and they tell you thank you,” he said. “Thank you. Thank you for giving me that energy and you make my day. That’s when you know, like it hits home. It hits home when people break down in your arms. And they’re feeling your passion and your emotion. Because I’m out here for them.”

He’s outside, no matter the weather, to spread his own sunshine with an open invitation to what he calls the 89th Street Block Party. 

“Ain’t no strings or gimmicks when you step into the clinic,” he said. “All I ask is that you eat that spinach. Let’s go!”