Community march to honor life and sacrifice of Deputy Darren Goforth

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thousands showed up Saturday morning for a walk honoring police and Deputy Darren Goforth in northwest Harris County.

Organizers say "Police Lives Matter" is the message, and they've been promoting it on social media. It's estimated 4,000 people showed up to support the message.

"This profession is so crucial to the stability of our communities and society as a whole and we can't take that for granted," Antoinette McKissack said.

The walk took place along the service roads next to the Sam Houston Tollway from Gessner to Fallbrook Drive. People started gathering two hours before the march was set to start. Guest speakers addressed the crowd, along with a short prayer before the 4.5 mile walk.

Volunteers sold blue T-shirts that read "United We Stand" in honor of Deputy Darren Goforth, who was shot two death two weeks ago at a gas station in Cypress, while filling up his patrol car. All proceeds will go to the Goforth family.

"A couple weeks ago, we were all emotional all weekend over what a tragedy that was. Today, I'm the same emotional seeing how many people came," Christa Little said, who organized printing of the shirts.

Police on motorcycles led the procession, followed by Jeeps, biker groups, and finally the walkers, behind a sign that read "Police Lives Matter."

"If we all get along, then the world will be a better place," Renee Bedford said as she walked in the sea of blue.

The Harris County Toll Road Authority worked with organizers to keep walkers and drivers safe. Several exit ramps stayed closed from 7am until 1pm, including the northbound Fairbanks exit ramp and the north and southbound Gessner ramps.

Photos from memorial and funeral