Police across the country are still hard at work with the tragic shootings in Dallas, Texas still fresh in their minds. In Merrimack, New Hampshire, roll call was particularly difficult and more emotional on Friday.
"I know it's all been on our minds, what's happened in Dallas," said Lt. Theodore Dillon as he started the pre-shift meeting. "Let's back each other up even more tonight."
The message came just one day after one of the deadliest days in United States law enforcement history unfolded on Thursday night.
"Those officers went out on duty last night having no idea that this was going to happen," said Merrimack Police Chief Mark Doyle.
Doyle said there's no imminent threat of a copycat crime in New Hampshire, but that doesn't mean his officers aren't prepared.
"You need to constantly assess where you are and what it is you're doing from a safety and survival standpoint," Doyle said.
At 1 p.m. Friday, departments across New England joined Dallas for a moment of silence.
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Dispatcher Michael Piccolo said making that call over the radio never gets easier.
"It's been tough to be honest," Piccolo said.
Early Friday morning outside the Manchester Police Department, Officer Nate Linstad brought the flag down to half staff.
"It's a stark reminder for all of us here in this police department and across the nation that you don't necessarily go home at the end of your shift," said Manchester Police Lt. Brian O'Keefe.
As they don their uniforms for their next shift, that added black mourning band across their badge is another reminder.
"These are the risks we take each and every day," said Chief Doyle.
And he admits no amount of training can protect anyone from evil.
"If you've got an individual destined to harm police officers they will harm police officers, and I think that rang true last night," Doyle said.
Police in Merrimack, Salem, Londonderry, and Manchester told necn they have not received any specific threats toward their departments.
