Ga. Church Holds Prayer Services for First Responders

Dec. 08--Sprinkled throughout the New Florence United Methodist Church on Monday evening were those who voluntarily put their lives in danger.

Some wore the uniforms of police officers; others were in jeans and coats, indistinguishable from ordinary citizens.

"We owe you our thanks, but, I will admit, it does not seem to be enough," said Pastor Sharon Hamley. "You run into the danger to help us and save us."

About 100 people gathered at the church for a community service focused on first responders in the wake of a St. Clair part-time police officer being fatally shot on Nov. 28 while responding to a domestic violence call in the borough. The service -- attended by area police officers, state troopers, paramedics, firefighters and community leaders -- offered prayer for those who are tasked with protecting the public and others who assisted in the aftermath of Officer Lloyd Reed Jr.'s death.

Ray Shetler Jr., 31, allegedly shot Reed, 54, of Hollsopple, outside of a Ligonier Street home at about 9:15 p.m. when the officer responded to a call from Shetler's girlfriend. Reed later died at a hospital. Shetler was captured after a six-hour manhunt and is charged with homicide.

Candlelight spread through the church in honor of Reed and other responders, just as it had at a makeshift memorial in the borough the day after the officer's death.

"We offer you our shoulders so you may let go of the pain that might be lingering within your hearts," Hamley said. "You are not alone. We are with you. You may not see us every day, but we will think of you and say a prayer."

The church was decorated for Christmas with a tree and poinsettias, but blue bows adorned the wreaths and ornaments in blue and silver were placed throughout the sanctuary.

"These people put their lives on the line each and every day," said Valley Grace Brethren Pastor Norris Mason. "(Reed) gave his life doing his duty. I'm a pastor, that doesn't happen to me. It happens to you guys all the time."

Faith Lutheran Pastor Ryn Kobert offered a prayer for first responders, "whose mission it is to save lives."

After the service, a dinner was held at New Florence's fire department during which donations were accepted for Reed's wife, Rosemarie.

Hamley challenged those in attendance to show comfort, guidance and hope to all first responders through small acts of kindness.

"They need to know that we are with them, and they need to know that we care for them as a community," she said. "We need to let them know that they are loved."

Renatta Signorini is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-837-5374 or rsignorini@tribweb.com.

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