Families of police officers have always had to worry for their safety.
But that worry has been amplified in recent weeks, following the horrendous Dallas shootings.
Capturing these fears so clearly is this powerful image, uploaded to Facebook by the Indianapolis Metropolis Police Department. It shows a policeman’s two small children sitting next to a police car, dressed as little police officers, praying for their dad’s safe return.
The policeman’s wife took the heartbreaking snap, which has been shared thousands of times around the world.
“It does send a message of hope and a reminder of the attitude that the majority of citizens have for us, which is a supportive one,” policeman Jim Gillespie told Today.
The image, which you can see below, has touched many hearts, with many people leaving messages of support on Facebook.
“God bless these children who are now aware of what a nasty society we live in,” wrote Susan Haggerty.
Of course, not all messages were supportive, given the clash between the police force and black people in America.
“Yes, praying for the officers are I pray that my black son makes it home safe every day,” wrote Heidi Williamson Elias.
