HOUSTON – Four days after the murder of Harris County deputy Darren Goforth, people are still flocking to the Chevron gas station where he was killed to leave flowers, mementos and cash donations for Goforth's family.
More than $90,000 has been collected at the site near the intersection of West and Telge roads and $160,000 more has been collected online according to volunteers.
"Its been steady. People have been coming in and out all day," volunteer Brandy Flisram said.
Mourners include some who never met Goforth, and others like Jamie Nguyen who got to know his family several years ago through a home school association.
"Its just very close to home. And its a person protecting us as community, not just some one we know personally, but as a community we pull together to honor him. I just can't imagine how hard it is for Kathleen and kiddos," Nguyen said.
Some veteran police officers say the public outpouring of emotion has been "amazing."
Sgt. J.C. Moiser, with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable's Office, said he hasn't seen anything like it in for 48 years as a police officer.
"Every time we go to lunch somebody is trying to buy lunch for us, walking over and thanking us for our service.," Mosier said.
On Monday, as Mosier was dining with fellow officers at Logan's Roadhouse on Highway 290, he says their server asked if she could pray for them.
"She literally prayed for us the five us and asked the Lord to put a shield over us and I have to tell you it was one of the most amazing things in my life," he said.
Their waitress, Angela Barber told Channel 2 News that Goforth's death reminded her how dangerous police work is.
"There's a lot of evil out here. I know what going on the in the news. I don't put a lot of focus on that, but I know it's hard for those out here fighting the criminals to get them off the streets," Barber said.