After recent attacks, local police receive cards, support from community

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Law enforcement agencies across the Charlotte area are seeing cards, cakes and even hugs from the community after deadly police shootings across the country.

It's a welcome sign of love and hope.

Major Gerald Childress with the Mooresville police said he's been wearing this blue and black ribbon too long. Most recently, in honor of brothers in blue gunned down in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

IMAGES: Local police departments receive cards of support

"You feel the emotion, you feel the anguish," he said. "You leave the house and you hope you make it home at the end of the day."

After so much pain, it's warmed his heart to see his department flooded with sweet treats and notes of thanks from the community.

The Iredell County Sheriff said they too are overwhelmed with thoughtful gifts and a much-needed morale boost. He said his department is making changes to keep officers safe following recent shootings but he wouldn't give details for safety reasons.

"When you see people second guessing everything you do, that we're out here to hurt you, then you see the community you live in come and support you," Sheriff Darren Campbell said. "It actually makes you proud to be law enforcement."

Emma Collins hopes the cakes and cookies will balance out the bad news.

"I hope it makes them feel appreciated for what they do every day," Collins said.

Childress said smiles hugs and support make it easier to put on the uniform during difficult times.

"It’s good to just get a hug let folks know you care about them and they care about you," Childress said.

The Mooresville Police Department is also using this difficult time as an opportunity to connect with the community. They're holding a forum with local church and community members 3 p.m. Sunday at Higher Purpose Church on 407 W. Wilson Ave.

Higher Purpose Church pastor Lawrence Williams said the meeting is a way to “get ahead” of any future problems in the community between law enforcement and residents.

He and many other residents feel community policing initiatives and a diverse police force have already fostered a strong relationship between officers and residents, according to Channel 9's partners at the Mooresville Tribune.

“The idea is to get different community leaders to speak from different perspectives,” Williams told the Tribune. “I think if we can keep the dialogue focused on being proactive and moving forward to the future it will be a productive meeting.”

Channel 9 created a slideshow of all the examples of support local law enforcement agencies have received from neighbors.

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