Singing
Police Officer Sings “I Can Only Imagine” With K9
This is so touching.
Kathleen Shipman
07.13.20

Move over reality show competitions. All one has to do is take on an internet challenge to show the world that they too have a hidden talent.

We’ve seen everyone from dancing dads to lip-syncing police officers go viral with their skills. Although many of the challenge videos are filled with humor – there’s one, in particular, that’s touching viewers’ hearts.

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YouTube Screenshot

Jason Hepler is the police chief in Alabama.

Chief Hepler decided to take on the challenge with his K9 partner, K9 Fox, and together they created a music video that now has millions of views. In it, Hepler beautifully covers “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that comes from the Christian band MercyMe.

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YouTube Screenshot

The internet is full of popular challenges that keep both participants and viewers entertained. While not all of them have an actual “winner” – it doesn’t stop people from wanting to join in on the fun!

As for Chief Hepler, he actually had a chance to win a cash prize in the lip-sync battle he entered (which was to go to a charity). He planned to donate it to the organization K9s4COPs.

The foundation’s website explains:

“It is the goal of K9s4COPs to fund the purchase of highly trained K9 partners for law enforcement agencies needing assistance.”

Facebook/K9s4COPs
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Facebook/K9s4COPs

Chief Hepler has seen first-hand how big of an asset K9s can be to police departments.

According to WHNT, he shared:

“K9 Fox is an amazing partner, pretty much his entire life has been of service. He has been an instrumental part of our organization, hundreds of pounds of drugs are off the streets along with thousands of dollars in drug money.”

Facebook/Hollywood Police Department
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Facebook/Hollywood Police Department

The video was filmed in a mix of different locations and features Hepler as the solo “vocalist.”

Although the police chief isn’t actually singing the lyrics, his rendition is full of heart and soul. He mouths the words to “I Can Only Imagine,” allowing his passion for the song’s powerful meaning (about meeting Jesus) to shine through.

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In a news release, Hepler explained that he’d turn to the Christian tune during hard times when he was looking to be uplifted. “I Can Only Imagine” was penned by MercyMe’s lead singer Bart Millard.

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YouTube Screenshot

Hepler lip-syncs in the rain and indoors as well. Camera shots of heavenly-looking clouds are shown throughout the video too.

While singing, the chief raises his hands in praise and covers his heart. According to Songfacts, “I Can Only Imagine” won the 2002 Dove Award for “Song of the Year.”

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YouTube Screenshot

Chief Hepler’s lip-sync video spread like wildfire on social media.

As of now, it has over 15 million views on Facebook alone. YouTube viewers have left comments like:

“What a fantastic song choice performed with absolute perfection! I was so moved, and I thank all of you for your service.”

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YouTube Screenshot

Someone else wrote:

“I’m am speechless with tears in my eyes. This one is the best one yet.”

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YouTube Screenshot

Chief Hepler ended up winning the lip-sync battle and was awarded the prize money for a charity. Thanks to Athos, he was able to donate $5,000 to K9s4COPs to help support their mission! In addition, he also won hearts all across the internet.

Facebook/Hollywood Police Department
Source:
Facebook/Hollywood Police Department

Watch the video below to see Chief Hepler’s powerful lip-sync rendition for yourself!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

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