La Mirada Traffic Cop Hasn't Had A Complaint Against Him Since 1992

LA MIRADA (CBSLA.com) — Most traffic cops are just doing their jobs, but one in La Mirada does it so courteously that he hasn't had a complaint against him in 20 years.

Los Angeles County sheriff's supervisors were shocked to find that 53-year-old Deputy Elton Simmons, a motor officer patrolling the streets of La Mirada, has had nary a complaint against him for the past 20 years, according to the Los Angeles Times. The last complaint Simmons can remember receiving was in 1992.

Simmons' secret? Trying to be as pleasant as possible while issuing a ticket that can cost $250 or more in both money and time. Simmons told the Times he lives by the motto instilled in him by an uncle, who was a pastor, back home in Louisiana: "Do good, be good, treat people good."

The veteran traffic cop says he's no pushover because he believes tickets saves lives, according to the newspaper. One woman Simmons cited for driving without a seat belt thanked him when she ran into again because she was later involved in a wreck – but was wearing her seat belt that time, the Times reported.

Simmons' record is even more remarkable considering complaints can easily be made online or by phone.

When contacted for his photo, Norwalk station Sgt. Gregory Arnold said Simmons "respectfully" declined to have his photo in any more media publications.

"I tried to convince him otherwise, but he is a very humble man that just wants to go about his business," Arnold said.