Warner Robins Police Department calls for protection, wisdom during prayer event

WARNER ROBINS — As National Police Week continues, the city of Warner Robins took the time to call on the Highest Power for peace and protection for law enforcement.

On Wednesday, local police officers and city staff gathered for the annual “Pray for Police” event. The event is held every Police Week as a chance to come together, reflect on the year, and, of course, pray.

First up to reflect was Police Chief Wayne Fisher, who said the year was long and thought provoking.

“We’ve had multiple events that really tested the resiliency of the organization. It is through faith and family, and that resiliency as a whole with the agency that helped bring us through,” Fisher said.

Before praying, Matt Walls, lead pastor of Southside Baptist Church, shared his personal experiences with law enforcement.

Growing up, a police officer visited his elementary school and told the kids they like when they wave. That small gesture was part of a larger thread of appreciation and respect, taught to Walls by his family.

“So now from the age of nine, to now 51, I have been waving at police officers my whole life. Most of them I find will wave back at me,” Walls said.

Walls also took time to thank law enforcement for stepping into situations most would run from, and serving the community, even if some don’t appreciate it.

“Thank you for helping me and my family sleep safely at night knowing you guys are out there taking care of our city,” Walls said.

The prayer hinged on three topics.

The first was safety and protection.

“[They] put their lives on the line, they so willingly do all that they do, and the least we can do is pray for their safety and protection,” Walls said.

The second covered wisdom and dicernment.

“They have to make split-second decisions, life-altering decisions in a moment sometimes, and they need us to be praying for their wisdom and discernment,” Walls said.

Finally, Walls prayed for mental and emotional health.

“The things that they see, the things that they deal with, the things that they have to process, are not for the faint of heart. So many other reasons we could be praying for them, but those are just a few,” Walls said.

Mayor LaRhonda Patrick also spoke at the event, saying the city would not be safe and thriving without the police department. She also thanked city leaders, command staff and officers for their work and called on the community to uplift law enforcement in their prayers.

“Let’s remember them as we say our prayers in the mornings, in the afternoons and at night,” Patrick said. “Because they’re sacrificing their lives every minute in between.”

National Police Week spans from May 10 through May 16.