In light of the shootings in Dallas, many local police departments and officials are sharing their support and condolences on social media.
Click here for complete coverage of the deadly shootings.
People in the community are also reaching out to show their appreciation for local police officers.
Several police departments in our area have also released statements about the shootings:
Chief Thomas Bennett with the Suffolk Police Department: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Officers and families of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Police Department and the Dallas Police Department as they grieve and work through the tragic killing of their officers. We as a department have worked very hard to develop positive, professional relationships with our community and we will continue to do so in the coming days.”
Assistant Chief Joe Moore with Newport News Police: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters with the Dallas and DART Police Departments. There are no words to express how the law enforcement profession is feeling. We encourage everyone to keep the deceased officers’ families, the surviving victims, the Dallas and DART Police Departments and the City of Dallas in their thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragedy.”
Chief Chapman with Portsmouth Police: “Today, we pause to pay homage to the victims and families of the violent shootings over the past few days. If it is your belief, please keep those impacted by these tragedies in your thoughts and prayers.”
Sheriff Mark A. Marshall with the Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Office shared the following message with his staff: “We all need to be vigilant at our posts. There is a lot of emotion swirling around all of the tragedies over the past 48 hours across this country. Much needs to be done….hopefully reason and compassion will prevail over the anger and hate. In the meantime we need to be alert and professional…..and a well said prayer might also help.”
Virginia Beach Police Chief James Cervera: “This morning we learned of the mass shooting of 11 Dallas Police Officers. In the spirit of the nobility of policing, these officers were protecting the constitutional rights of citizens to rally and protest. While performing their duties of guardians of the Dallas community, multiple gunmen opened fire in a coordinated attack. At this moment we know that 5 officers were killed and 7 were injured, some very seriously.
The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Virginia Beach Police Department go out to these officers, their families, the Dallas Police Department, and the City of Dallas.
In honor of the five officers who lost their lives protecting the citizens of Dallas, the sworn members of the Virginia Beach Police Department will drape their badges until July 15, 2016 as a sign of respect and a tribute to the courageous actions their courageous sacrifice. “
Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck: “We all have heavy hearts today. The shooting of police officers in Dallas is an unfathomable tragedy that targeted those who serve and protect. Our sympathy and prayers are with the victims and their families, and with the entire community of Dallas.”
Norfolk Police Chief Mike Goldsmith: “This week has been terrible for our country, the communities in Baton Rouge, St. Paul, Dallas, and the law enforcement profession. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved in these tragic incidents. All loss of life is something to be grieved.”
Chesapeake Police Chief K.L. Wright: “I know all of us are experiencing a wide range of emotions during these most difficult times. We experience anxiety, fear, anger, despair, etc. But as it has been said, “these are the times that try men’s souls.” I encourage each of you to maintain your calm and professional attitudes. Despite all the wickedness, hostility, and unproductive rhetoric we have witnessed over the last several days, I am overwhelmingly encouraged by the outpouring of support from the public for law enforcement and more specifically, our Department. I can tell you that since about 7am this morning, I have received numerous emails, phone calls, and text messages from people in the community praying for our health and well-being. I suggest to you that this is by all measures, the true barometer of will of the people.”
