DFW Police Come Together In Support
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - North Texas police will light up the Metroplex on Friday as they support Gov. Greg Abbott's statewide call to 'Stand with Law Enforcement.'
Abbott has requested that law enforcement officers turn on their red and blue flashing lights for one minute at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, the time that Harris County sheriff's deputy Darren Goforth's funeral will begin. He has also asked that all Texas flags be lowered in Goforth's memory.
Goforth was shot and killed last week while filling up his patrol car with gas. The 47-year-old deputy was a 10-year veteran of the force. Shannon Miles has been arrested and charged with Goforth's murder.
About 50 officers with the Dallas Police Association boarded a bus for Houston early Friday morning. Many will come back to North Texas for work in the afternoon.
The UNT Police Department said that their squad cars will be at Apogee Stadium. Police in North Richland Hills, Haltom City, Irving, Burleson and Farmers Branch will also be among those flashing their emergency lights. MedStar vehicles that aren't on a call will also participate. Citizens are encouraged to turn on their headlights as well.
In a press release, the North Richland Hills Police Department said, "Our agency wants to honor Deputy Goforth, but also the others that have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities." In addition to turning their police vehicle emergency lights on, North Richland Hills authorities said that they are also releasing 200 blue balloons in front of their City Hall.
Blue ribbons will be given out at the Hurst Police Department from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning, and an event will be held at the Grand Prairie Police Department headquarters at 10:45 a.m. on Friday morning as well.
Community support is not stopping with police. A post made on Facebook on Thursday from a Fort Worth resident shared an opportunity for community members to stop by Sundance Square for an 11:00 a.m. prayer service, and bring a flower to show their support.
Dallas Police Association president Ron Pinkston said that this is a tough time to be a law enforcement officer. "Officers are on edge," he stated. "They don't know what's happening. They fear for their families at home. No longer is it when we are at work. We are worried about when we get home, who is watching our families when we are watching all the families in Dallas."
"Respect and pride in our law enforcement must be restored in this state and nation," said Abbott in a press release. "It is time to unite in solidarity to support the men and women who serve and protect our communities."
