Communities "Back the Blue"

Following the police shootings in Dallas in the last few weeks, communities across Texas, as well as the nation, have looked for ways to honor, recognize, and support their local police departments and law enforcement officials. Morris County gathered on Friday, July 15 to show their support for the families of the fallen officers in Dallas, as well as to show support of local law enforcement. Plans began as early as Saturday, July 9, for a “Back the Blue” event. Organizer Eva Wilbanks felt the need to do something for local law enforcement in the wake of the shootings. “God really just laid it on my heart to do this for our officers.” Wilbanks spoke to Travis Pool, who runs a Facebook page that reports scanner calls, in an effort to get her idea out to the general public. “I told Travis about it, and within just a few hours of posting it on his page, we had more comments than we expected. That is when we created the Facebook event to get the word out,” said Wilbanks. Wilbanks, along with others, began asking for donations of water, food, and anything else people were willing to donate. “We wanted to invite the local law enforcement officers to the Annex, feed them lunch, and give the communities an opportunity to tell them how much they are appreciated,” said Wilbanks. Wibanks received donations from several area businesses or water, Gatorade, and food for the event. Monetary donations were also given, as well as donations of gift cards that were auctioned off to receive more donations. Wilbanks and others divided the water and Gatorade among law enforcement agencies from across the county. Departments from Lone Star, Daingerfield, Hughes Springs, Naples, and Omaha, as well as the Morris County Sheriff’s Department, will all benefit from the donations received by Wilbanks and her group.
The monetary donations were to be divided, and shared among the departments, as well. Any officers who were able were also treated to lunch consisting of fried chicken, barbeque, chips, and drinks, as well.
In addition to the Back the Blue event organized by Wilbanks, there was also a prayer vigil held at the Morris County Courthouse lawn. On July 13, Morris County Sheriff Jack Martin released a statement from the Morris County Peace Officers Association announcing the association would be hosting a prayer vigil for local law enforcement, as well as to pray for local law enforcement agencies. People from all over the county came out in support of law enforcement. Residents could be seen hugging officers, and thanking them for their service. There were all ages present, from young children all the way to the older generation who remembers a different time in society. Cole Hefner, the Pittsburg native who is running for State Representative, was also in attendance. Pastor Randy Seybert opened the gathering with a word honoring those fallen officers from Dallas and Michigan, as well as saluting the local agencies present. After prayer, Seybert opened the floor to any other preacher who chose to speak. Preachers from various churches in the county, as well as at least one from Longview,
stepped up to speak against hate, and acknowledge those who put on the uniform and work to protect us each day. Community members stood hand in hand, with heads bowed, as pastors from the various churches offered prayers to God thanking Him for His protection, and asking for
continued protection for law enforcement. One member of the crowd, whose brother is a deputy with the Morris County Sheriff’s department, offered this thought, as well: “This is not only a call for us to support law enforcement. It should also serve as a call for us to stop pointing the finger and blaming each other
when something goes wrong. We have to come together as a community and start spreading love, instead of hate among blacks and whites.” Sheriff Jack Martin closed the vigil with a prayer, thanking God for bringing the community together, and for continued protection and guidance for law enforcement.

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