INDIANAPOLIS -- It's an image that sums up the grief, tension and fear that's faced this nation over the last several weeks: An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer's children praying for his safe return from work, and for all officers to return home safely.
The official Twitter account of IMPD posted the image Sunday night following a difficult day in which three law enforcement officers were shot and killed in Baton Rouge, La., while three others were injured.
It comes barely more than a week after five officers were killed in Dallas, and the same week Indianapolis had a brush with violence when a man shot at an IMPD officer's home. Fortunately, no one was hurt in that incident. A suspect was arrested and remains in police custody.
IMPD Chief Troy Riggs said at a press conference Sunday that they are also investigating one specific threat of violence against central Indiana officers that came on social media within the last week.
Chief Riggs said they're doing everything they can to protect their officers, and that he's proud that his department continues to put on the uniform despite the violent acts around them.
IMPD did not say which officer's family it was depicted in the picture, but they don't need to: It stands for what all of those families here in the Hoosier state and across the country are going through right now.
Praying their father and all police officers return home safely. #thinblueline pic.twitter.com/aH4AY3CQRe
— IMPD (@IMPD_News) July 17, 2016
