Law enforcement agencies gather to say thanks

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- This morning, a gathering of Harris County constables, along with leaders of other law enforcement agencies, like the Harris County Sheriff's Office and Houston Police Chief, gathered in downtown Houston to say thank you to the community for the recent outpouring of support for peace officers.

There has been an outpouring of publicly expressed support following the brutal murder of Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth. He was shot from behind while in uniform as he pumped gas for his patrol car at a convenience store in northwest Harris County.

Houston Police Chief, Charles McClelland, said his officers are saying they didn't really know how much people cared about their safety, and the gratitude is changing the way many of them approach their work.

"It makes officers work harder, but it also makes officers understand that they've got to be more accountable and more professional," said McClelland.