Blessing of the Badge ceremony held at Alabama Capitol steps
Many people gathered to pray on the steps of the Alabama Capitol for the first responders and other law enforcement officers who serve and protect Montgomery.
The event on Sunday afternoon took on special meaning in the wake of the mass shooting on Saturday, October 4, that left two people dead and 12 others injured, some seriously. Police have arrested a juvenile and expect to make more arrests.
In a show of unity, the Montgomery Police Department’s Faith and Blue ceremony brought dozens of law enforcement officers, faith leaders and Montgomery residents together to lift up and honor those who answer the call in times of need.
Those honored at the ceremony included firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and members of the military. Local ministers prayed for protection, strength and encouragement for the men and women who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our community.
“Lord, we ask your covering over each officer, over each first responder. Grant them wisdom. Give them courage and discernment as they stand in the gap for our community and beyond,” Rev. Quentin Byrd, the pastor at Freewill Missionary Baptist Church, prayed.
“And may we understand Lord, that your word says that unless you guard a city, all who guard it do so in vain,” Rev. John Ed Mathison, pastor emeritus at Frazer Methodist Church, prayed.
“We are here today to honor the brave men and women who serve on the front lines each and every day. The people that we call in our most desperate moment, those that run towards danger when others run away,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said.
This was the third event of the Faith and Blue Weekend. The weekend also included a balloon release at Montgomery police headquarters and a tailgate event at Engaged Christian Church.
