Oklahoma Communities 'Back The Blue' With Day Of Prayer

There have been several officer-involved shootings across the country in recent weeks, now communities are rallying around law enforcement to show their support.

Friday, on the steps of the Broken Arrow Police Department, there was a vigil where some took part in a national day of prayer for officers and first responders. Organizers said they wanted to show how much they appreciate what police do by risking their lives every day for the community.

People across the country used September 4th as a day of national prayer for law enforcement. Governors and radio talk show personalities called on people to show their support for those who protect our communities.

In Broken Arrow, Robert Andrade led Friday’s vigil.

"I was extremely happy and I could feel the spirit of God in them," he said.

Andrade said his call for prayer was about showing compassion and respect for the Broken Arrow Police.

"There's not enough words, there's not enough emotion, there's not enough accolades for them for what they've done. This is a model police department," Andrade said.

His prayers were echoed across the state; in Nowata, people gathered at a local convenience store to pray, and in Tulsa, a few officers got a free meal from a local Arby’s restaurant.

Officers also received support across the country over social media with the hashtag "Back the blue."

The day of prayer and support comes after a deadly month for police officers dying in the line of duty.

The national attention to the risks of the job only highlights how much it means for people like Andrade to have a moment of prayer.

“What I want to create is the love of God, the love of the police in our community, coming together, victorizing that over hatred," he said.

Chief David Boggs said he's proud to see people in Broken Arrow coming out and standing with police.

“It's important to me that everybody gets to come to work, do a great job and go home safely at the end of the day. I think that's what we all want, regardless of the occupation that you're in, and we've got to do our best to make sure that happens for all our employees," Boggs said.

According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, 83 police officers have died on the job this year.