Dozens of first responders from Bowie County gathered Friday for a noon prayer rally at the Trailhead Pavilion, where community members prayed for their safety and thanked them for their service.
Prayer vigils and rallies have been common throughout the area in the wake of the recent attacks and shootings of law enforcement officials, including a vigil this week in Texarkana put on by Church on the Rock and their praise team.
Area police departments, deputies, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders from the city of New Boston and out of Bowie County-including public servants and volunteers from Maud-attended the luncheon, put together by the city of New Boston and First Baptist Church New Boston.
The prayer rally opened with a tiny, little girl from Arkadelphia Baptist Church reading a heartfelt letter to police, thanking them for their service and encouraging them to stay strong in tough times.
"I know these last few weeks have been hard on you From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you," she said sweetly, before the church handed fruit baskets out to first responders.
Longtime New Boston resident Bryant Matthews addressed the crowd and said that it was a blessing to be at the rally and the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and pray for area public servants.
Matthews recited a Bible verse he said reminded him of the issues society is facing, when citizens throughout the country can't pick up their morning papers without seeing violence and bad news covering the front page.
From 2 Chronicles, verse 7:14 Matthews read: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
"It is up to us," Matthews said. "It's in our hands and it's time for us to step up.
"Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons that we have. Apart from Him (Christ), we can do nothing. We can do all things through him," he added.
Area leader and constituent Charles Jordan thanked God for his grace and mentioned what great examples the community had in public servants, police and all those putting themselves out there and saving lives.
"Thank you each each and every day," Jordan said after praying for soldiers as well.
Dr. Patrick Hunter, pastor of New Boston's First Baptist Church asked that all first responders gather at the front and invited the crowd to come up and pray over them for their protection and peace of mind.
Hunter then invited the crowd to line up for hamburgers and hot dogs cooked by New Boston Fire and Rescue.
"We very much appreciate this and are deeply moved by the show of support," said Bobby Wardell, secretary/treasurer of New Boston Fire and Rescue.
Assistant Chief Jackie Laney said he has lived in the New Boston area for a long time and used to work for his father and grandfather at the local newspaper.
"It feels nice that they all come together like this," Laney said. "They care and it gives you a good warm feeling to know that."
Laney's daughter, Darla Dike, made up gift sacks for some of the responders from her new business in New Boston.
Mary Shelby, who has worked with the department since 2008, said she the outpouring of love and support from the community was great. Shelby said she enjoys fire prevention activities where she is able to work with children.
Shelby was also proud to introduce a new member of the fire department, Savannah Smith, who also works as a certified nursing assistant.
Smith said she knows the job is not going to be an easy one.
"You never know what is going to be around the corner," Smith said.
"Another girl, Amanda Norell, just graduated as an engineer," Shelby said proudly.
Jeff Neal, Bowie County Chief Deputy said the sheriff's office received tons of letters from children that attend Arkadelphia Baptist Church, which especially warmed their hearts.
Neal said the department also received one of the church's fruit baskets from the ceremony.
"Some of the kids wrote letters to the department and we have already posted them in the patrol room," Neal said. "The rally felt very good.
"We appreciate all their support and prayers-we need them everyday."