Local law enforcement reacts to Dallas shootings

As news of the sniper-style shootings of police officers in Dallas floods the media, local law enforcement agencies are taking this time to pay their respects, and prepare themselves, in case a similar situation were to happen locally.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw issued this statement with regard to the shooting:

“Today the Texas Department of Public Safety mourns the loss of our fellow law enforcement officers as well as those injured in the line of duty in Dallas last night. We join the people of Dallas, our brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the families and friends of those impacted by this attack in trying to grasp the reality of this senseless tragedy. “Protecting Texas would be impossible without the devotion and hard work of all the dedicated members of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to help keep their communities safe. As a law enforcement agency, when any peace officer dies in the line of duty, we all lose a comrade and a member of our family. “Our department will provide any law enforcement resources and support needed to assist the City of Dallas in the wake of this reprehensible attack.”

Local police chiefs were also vocal in the response to the attack. Lone Star Police Chief Larry Fleet said, “We have just been sitting here discussing the situation last night in Dallas. It is weighing on everyone’s minds.” Fleet said that things have changed for law enforcement. “I can remember just being able to run into a house where a situation is occurring,” said Fleet, adding “but now, you have to be aware of everything and always be aware of your surroundings.” Fleet stated that, through donations from business owners, collected by Officer Steven Blythe, the department has been able to purchase safety equipment that they would not have been able to afford otherwise. The department is also planning an active shooter training session in the coming weeks to assist their officers in being prepared for certain situations, and how to handle active shooter cases.

Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy also weighed in on the situation. “It is a tough time to be in Law Enforcement today, because of the narrative being generated in Washington D.C. by those at the top that we are racist, which is not true,” said Kennedy. Kennedy also said “The situation in Dallas is a prime example of how untrue it is, as the police officers who were injured and murdered were shielding those who were protesting against them.” Kennedy also added that the situation is not about race. Of the officer-related deaths thus far in 2016, 265 of them where white victims, while only 144 were African - A m e r i c a n . Kennedy said “This shows it is not a race-related issue.” Kennedy acknowledged that it is a difficult job, and that they do their best to stay as prepared as possible. Daingerfield Police Chief

Tracey Climer issued the following statement: "Daingerfield Police Department mourns with the families involved in the recent killing of innocent officers as they did their jobs. Being human, of course some of us had feelings of anger, confusion, and sorrow. As police officers, we always have tools that ensure the safety of our officers to a point. We pray for all involved in the recent incident that occurred in Dallas."

Morris County Sheriff Jack Martin said his department is continuing what they have been doing. "We are doing the same as we always do, just being more cautious and more vigilante," said Martin. "We are working to be more aware of our surroundings, and being more cautious during traffic stops and such," Martin added.