Tri-Town police departments have received an outpouring of emotional support from the residents of their towns in light of the Dallas tragedy that happened on Thursday, July 7, when a lone sniper assassinated five officers during a protest of the police-involved shootings of two African American citizens in Minnesota and Louisiana over the past week.
Since Friday, officers of the Mattapoisett, Marion, and Rochester Police Departments have been the recipients of an outburst of support from citizens in the form of cards, letters, and words of ‘thanks,’ and even kind gestures such as delivering pizza, sweets, baked goods, and homemade meals to the police stations as a way to show their appreciation.
“We had people bringing food. One guy just came in to shake the guys’ hands,” said Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons. “Some gave cards thanking us … or expressing outrage over [the Dallas events]. It is a very nice feeling.”
Since Friday and throughout the weekend, Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee said he and his staff have seen an enormous demonstration of support from residents, with parents bringing their kids into the station to deliver handmade cards of gratitude, as well as home baked cookies, cupcakes, and boxes of pizza.
“On Friday, myself and many other officers were approached by people to say ‘thank you’ and show their support during this difficult time,” said Chief Magee. “I’d be lying if I said everything going on right now wasn’t discouraging because it is. But the support [we got] from people is very positive. It’s fantastic. It’s something that doesn’t happen all the time.”
Marion residents have also turned out to show their support of the Marion Police Department. Police Chief Lincoln Miller said someone dropped by with a thank you card and a gift certificate to Dunkin’ Donuts, and many in the community have approached him and his officers to express their support.
“It’s a very tough situation,” said Chief Miller. “The [Dallas] officers there were protecting the protestors. It was a peaceful protest, but once the shooting started you saw those officers rush to protect those people, running towards the gunfire. That just speaks volumes for the people that are in this profession.”
Magee said in Rochester there is always a lot of support from residents for the local police, but during this time the support is even more evident.
“You don’t always hear it, but you know it’s there,” said Magee. “I know the staff here is greatly appreciative. It’s very nice. It keeps you positive.”
All around the three towns, say the chiefs, people are walking up to them and thanking them for their service.
“It’s a nice feeling,” said Lyons. “Those poor five officers that didn’t make it home after work that night…. Our hearts go out to them.”
By Jean Perry
