GREENFIELD — Five roses were laid at the base of the town Police Department’s flagpole by an anonymous member of the community Friday in honor of five police officers killed in an ambush at a peaceful protest in Dallas, Texas, Thursday night.
“Our hearts and prayers are with the community of Dallas,” said Lt. William Gordon. “We’re shocked and worried about the entire situation, and all lives that have been affected.”
Other local departments said they’ve also received support. Sunderland police department posted on social media that someone paid for a department officer’s coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts and left a note that said “I’m sorry for the loss of your brothers in blue.”
In Montague, Chief Chip Dodge said someone dropped off cookies and left a note of encouragement for officers at the department Friday afternoon.
The shootings in Dallas also drew reactions Friday from area Congressmen Jim McGovern and Richard Neal.
“I am heartbroken by the violence in Dallas and praying for the families of the police officers shot and killed,” said McGovern a Worcester Democrat. “Enough is enough. The killing in this country must stop. There is absolutely no justification for these kinds of attacks or any violence against law enforcement. All who were involved in these murders will be held accountable.
“Our country’s police officers have an incredibly difficult job. We must show our support for all of our police officers who do their job each and every day protecting us and our communities. Please take a moment today to express your gratitude to our men and women in blue. We must remember the words of Martin Luther King Jr. and say with one voice that violence is not the answer. Now is a time for all Americans to come together to heal and to work toward the change our country needs.”
Neal, a Springfield Democrat, said, “This senseless and terrifying act of violence has no place in a civilized society, and is an affront to our core values, morals and beliefs.”
“The American family rejects this despicable attempt to divide our country, and wants to see an end to the bloodshed that is plaguing our cities and towns on a daily basis. We need to have national conversation to find common ground on the issue of guns in America before more innocents civilians are killed.”