As Officer Thomas Wagstaff continued to fight for his life at Centerpoint Medical Center on Thursday, neighbors gathered for a prayer service to hope for his recovery.
The service was held at New Hope Baptist Church, where organizers decorated much of the grounds with blue ribbons in support of Wagstaff and the Independence Police Department.
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"I said we need to do something to let our community know we care," explained Pastor Darren Tharp. "He made it through surgery, and we're praying that God will continue to help him and raise him up."
Pastor Tharp spoke with Wagstaff's family at the hospital hours before the event on Thursday.
"There were lots of people there wearing badges," he explained. "The family, of course, was weeping. They had deep concern, care, and grief."
Around 50 people attended the prayer service at New Hope Baptist Church.
Russell Ramos, a private security guard and Marine, helped lead a prayer during the event.
He said he kept the thoughts of Wagstaff's family close to his heart.
"I was thinking about his wife and kids," he explained. "It breaks my heart what his family is going through right now."
At the conclusion of the prayer service, attendees could take blue ribbons to put up at their homes.
Ramos said he planned to put the ribbon around a tree at his home.
"I just want him and his family and all those officers to know we're behind them," he explained.
Investigators said Wagstaff suffered a severe head wound during Wednesday's shooting.
He underwent an hours-long surgery afterwards and remained in critical condition on Thursday night.
Wagstaff Donation Fund
A donation account has been set up for Wagstaff's family.
Donations can be delivered to the police department, 223 N. Memorial Drive with attention to Officer L. Virgil or delivered to the Greater KC Public Safety Credit Union, located at 19341 East. U.S. 40 Highway. Check can be made out to Answering the Call.
If you have questions, contact Officer Virgil at 816-325-7643
