Pictured in front are Winona Lake Police Chief Joe Hawn and event organizer Courtney Jenkins. In back from left are Mason Sumner, Warsaw Police Department Chaplain Layne Sumner, Warsaw Officer Joel Beam, Clint Jenkins, Deputy Chief Mike Foster and Officer David Swain, who was sworn in Tuesday evening, July 19. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

Chief Joe Hawn and organizer Courtney Jenkins hug following the prayer event.

WINONA LAKE — A solemn crowd gathered around the flagpoles outside the Winona Lake Police Department today, Wednesday, July 20, to pray for the protection of officers, both locally and across the nation.

Event organizer Courtney Jenkins drew inspiration from her brother, who is a police officer in Key West, Fla. Having grown up in North Manhester, he told her of a prayer event taking place there and she decided to organize one in Winona Lake.

She approached Winona Lake Police Chief Joe Hawn, who agreed to the idea. She began getting the word out in any way she could.

Jenkins opened with a prayer for the safety and protection of officers serving throughout the nation, inviting anyone else gathered to join in. The event closed with a moment of silence in remembrance of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Several people remained a few minutes after the event, chatting and offering words of thanks and encouragement to the police officers in attendance.

“It’s great to be able to see all the people come together in a time when law enforcement really needs support,” Hawn said.