SAVANNAH, Ga. — For Savannah State University Police Officer Armani Phaire, service doesn’t end with answering calls for duty.
Through his off-duty initiative, Find Cash Savannah, Phaire is building connections with residents one act of kindness at a time.
Phaire created the project in 2024 with a simple goal: surprise community members with small but meaningful gestures of support, WTOC reports. Sometimes it’s helping cover a phone bill, other times it’s providing cash for a car payment. Each drop is meant to spark conversation and show a different side of the badge.
“I source all the money drops with my own income,” Phaire told WTOC. “It’s not about me but about making a difference in this community.”
The effort quickly grew. What began with just a few followers online has now reached more than 12,000. And it’s not just residents taking notice — a local restaurant recently signed on as the project’s first sponsor, giving Find Cash Savannah momentum to expand.
In many of Phaire’s videos, he hides cash around the city and offers viewers clues by showing the surrounding area. In one video, he surprises a shopper at Walmart with a $150 giveaway.
Turning setbacks into service
Phaire’s commitment to giving back is rooted in his own story of resilience. Raised by his mother and grandmother after losing his father as an infant, he told WTOC he learned early on the importance of perseverance.
That mindset carried him through the police academy — even after stumbling on his first attempt.
“I failed my first time around and I beat myself up for it,” Phaire said. “But I knew if they gave me a second chance, I’d come back and go even harder.”
Before joining the department, Phaire worked in security, where colleagues and leaders recognized his strong work ethic and encouraged him to pursue policing.
Changing the narrative
For Phaire, Find Cash Savannah isn’t just about generosity — it’s about how officers can build trust beyond enforcement.
“We as police officers don’t always get recognized for positive things,” he told WTOC. “This is a way to change the narrative for law enforcement all around.”
Whether it’s $50 or $150, Phaire says every act is an opportunity to remind residents that officers are part of the same community they serve.
The program is still young, but Phaire says he’s already encouraged by the support and momentum. His long-term vision includes expanding partnerships with local businesses and inviting others to join in the effort.
“I never knew what was really in front of me ... I just started doing it, and it began getting some great traction,” he said.
His advice to others — whether in uniform or not — is simple:
“Remain humble, be positive and respectful, chase your dreams, and never quit.”
