SAN ANGELO, Texas — Concho Valley residents gathered to honor Concho County Sgt. Stephen Jones, one of two Concho County Sheriff's Office deputies killed Monday night in Eden.
A procession for Jones was held Wednesday afternoon. It was filled with local and state law enforcement, as well as first responder vehicles, all to ensure Jones did not make the journey alone.
It is customary when a law enforcement officer dies, her or his body is never alone on their journey home. The Concho Valley showed incredible support.
Community members are mourning the loss of the fallen officer.
Lynette Lucas, a San Angelo resident, said she has many emotions running through her mind.
"Very, very sad. Very upset that people are so bold as to go against our police and in the way they have," Lucas said.
Pablo Morales served in U.S. Customs and Border Protection for 31 years. He said those like him who served their country never know when a tragedy such as this may strike.
"This can happen to anybody just in a split of a second. You never know what you're going to encounter when you go out to a call," Morales said.
Whether it's a personal relationship with the fallen officer or a San Angelo resident; the pain hits hard. Residents said they are shocked and saddened by this loss.
"It just hurts my heart to know there's people who are sad and suffering. The families are hurting today because they lost a loved one," Lucas said.
Some residents took the time to hang flags with the thin blue line alongside American and Texas flags to show respect for law enforcement.