The murder of a deputy in Texas and a police officer in Illinois are the latest in a string of law enforcement deaths that has a Henryetta pastor concerned.
Mike Meeks, pastor at the Henryetta Church of the Nazarene said those deaths, in addition to the other 14 in August, has led him to seek divine help.
"Early last Sunday morning the Lord impressed upon me the need to pray for and affirm our law enforcement personnel. This we will do as we pray continuously and hold a prayer vigil in honor of these brave public servants," he said.
That vigil will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Meeks said 13 law enforcement agencies throughout the area have been invited to be part of the special service. Those agencies include Okmulgee County sheriff's department, District attorney, as well as police departments from Henryetta, Morris, Dewar, Weleetka, Okmulgee, Okemah and Checotah.
The pastor said all law enforcement personnel attending will be brought into the church sanctuary followed by a special welcome address and prayer.
Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddy Rice will give a special address to those attending.
Following an affirmation of support from the community by pastor Meeks, deputy Robert Heath will conduct a special "End of Watch" roll call recognizing the officers who have lost their lives in recent weeks. A flag ceremony will be held as part of the roll call.
During the services, a two-minute video tribute to law enforcement, "What is a Policeman," by Paul Harvey will be presented.
Kent Pharoah will close off the ceremonies with "Amazing Grace," played on the bagpipes.
There will be a reception following the service.
"This ceremony is going to be an honorable, needed event in so many ways for so many reasons. Our Law Enforcement family needs this event. We, as citizens being protected by these servants, need this event as well," the pastor said.
The ceremony will be streamed live by the church as well as on Thehenryettan.com website.