30,000 wristbands handed out as 'Pray for Police' campaign kicks off

HOUSTON – A 24-hour prayer campaign, organized by the Houston Police Officer's Union, HPD Chaplaincy, 89.3 KSBJ, and deputies across the county, kicked off on Wednesday. Volunteers passed out the free wrist bands that read "pray for police #p4p." Volunteers also prayed for people as they stopped by the table.

"I am a Christian myself and we have to pray for the people who come out here and protect and serve," said Ariel Merrit.

She brought her 9-year-old son with her before she took him to school. "He was a police officer for Halloween one year and I wanted to show him that there are people who put their lives on the line for his sake and my sake," she said.

"I think this is a great campaign," said Bob Weigle. "I am always looking for ways to encourage our officers. Usually when I see police officers in a restaurant I will, on the sly, buy their meal for them. Its just my way of saying thank you."

By noon, only 5,000 wrist bands were left. Officers were helping to hand them out in the rain.

"I'm a police officer, my daughter is a police officer, so we see this violence everyday," said HPD officer Sonja Rhodes. "I want the public to know that there are more good cops out there than bad ones. If you don't know a police officer, and aren't familiar with what we do, I would encourage people to take a ride along with an officer. We are here to help."

If you would like a wrist band, there are still ways you can get one. Click www.24hourwristbands.com or call 1-877-508-4569.

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