[Editor’s note: The Mesquite Local News asked the Mesquite Police Department and Chief Troy Tanner to comment on the Dallas, TX, police shooting last week and its effect on local officers. The MLN received the following statement.]

It is a very sad day for everyone in America. We value all human lives. The very core of what the Mesquite Police Department does is protecting all lives and property, as well as safeguarding all people’s constitutional rights.

We know that those who want to do harm to us are the extreme minority. The divisiveness between law enforcement and those who want to use violence against us needs to end. We know that the vast majority, if not all of our community support us. We really do live in an extra-ordinary community and we are proud to serve with professionalism and integrity.

Chief Troy Tanner commented, “My immediate thoughts and concerns, as I watched the news coverage of the violence in Dallas unfold, was for the brave men and women who were putting their lives on the line to protect the citizens and protesters and for our officers who serve and protect the citizens and visitors to Mesquite. Regardless of the circumstance, the members of the Mesquite Police Department are committed to following the Mesquite Police Department’s Mission Statement, which is to: ‘safeguard the lives, property, and constitutional rights of all; while effectively providing proactive services with professionalism, honor and integrity.’ I pray for the safety of all officers. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families, as well as the Dallas community, as they move towards healing under the most difficult of circumstances.”

Chief Tanner added, “Hopefully this incident will invite those in the White House and in Washington D.C. to begin showing more support to our nation’s law enforcement.”