Brown County law enforcement officers and agency staffers gathered Friday at noon in the lobby of the Brown County Joint Law Enforcement Center in Brownwood to pray for officers locally, statewide and nationally.

Joining hands in unity, those present prayed, led by Brown County Sheriff’s Detective Scott Byrd.

The prayer vigil came after the news of Dallas Police being ambushed by sniper fire in downtown Dallas during a protest Thursday night.  Many such vigils were held across the country at 12:00 noon Friday.

Brownwood Assistant Chief of Police James Fuller stated that he personally felt the tragedy as an officer, “almost felt like crying” this morning as he prepared to go to work, knowing how this tragedy happened to his law enforcement family.  That feeling of despair changed when he arrived at the police station and found members of the public had brought gifts of support, such as doughnuts, kolaches, pizza and voiced words of support from other citizens and businesses.

When asked if there was anything that the public could help local law enforcement or even other first responder agencies, such as fire departments and EMS services, Fuller stated that although they would never ask the public for donations, many people have brought items such as water bottles that help when officers are out on patrol or responding to emergency situations.  During the summer months, keeping cool can be difficult in full uniform combined with body armor and 100+ degree heat.

Other items that are helpful to any first responder include Kool-Aid pouches to add to water bottles, hand sanitizers, sunscreen and insect repellant.

Pictured above and below are photos of the participants gathered for the prayer vigil Friday.  Photos contributed.