Joplin, Mohd. - In Cunningham Park, earlier tonight, there was a prayer awakening.
Vigilance organized by 4-State Ministry Riders Motorcycle Group. Dozens of community members and law enforcement officers in the area came out to show their support for and their families.
"Lord, those officers patrolling our streets tonight, we thank them for them," prayed David Durell, Juvenile Center pastor.
"We're all family here in law enforcement. We go through tragedy like this, we're all in mourning. I've been in law enforcement for seven years now and it's definitely close to home. I've talked to other officers." attended the funeral, but is not as close to a relationship as tonight's incident," said Goodman Police Department Chief Adam Miller.
“Newton County and other agencies have stepped up to the plate to let the Joplin police go home. And they may be upset and grieving, but they are still taking to the streets,” said Organizer Josh Lee.
"It's so humbling. It's nice to see my husband being in law enforcement. Sometimes you feel like you're all alone and it's nice to see people support law enforcement even in bad times." Ashley Groves, the wife of Cherokee County Sheriff.
"You want someone to do the same to your family. Law enforcement is family to everyone here," Lee said.
"We thank you that we live in a community, Father, that supports our officers," prayed Chapman Durell.
"I can't say anything. It was great when we were pulling over and we saw all the cars just to show our support and tell them we're hurting too. We love you and we appreciate you." Our hearts go out to you. My heart is crying. And I just want to say thank you, you keep up your work even when such things happen,” said Linda Kiefer, Vigil Attendee.
The investigation of the shooting has been handed over to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.