JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police are reminding their officers to be aware of their surroundings after last week's targeted attack in Texas.
Mile's defense lawyer said he didn't want to make this about race but today the sheriff of the slain officer said that the blacks lives matter rhetoric has gotten out of control. News4Jax spoke with Steve Amos (pictured below), the president of the Fraternal Order of Police who said there is no color in the heart of police officer.
Deputy Darren Goforth, 47, was shot execution-style Friday night, making him the twenty third officer killed in the line of duty this year.
"We just tell everyone to be careful. Watch your back and watch each other's back," Amos said.
Though the deputy was in a safe area, Amos said they're reminding local officers to be mindful of their surroundings; especially in a time where there's so much negativity surrounding law enforcement.
"You back your vehicle into where if someone does come up, you're able to get out of your vehicle or you're able to get that vehicle out of there quickly," he said.
Authorities said the only target on Goforth's back was a law enforcement uniform and even though there is no evidence linking the shooting to the rising black lives matter movement, Amos emphasized in the line of duty color does not exist.
"Police officers, all lives matter because that's who were out there protecting. Color doesn't matter," he said.
Amos also showed News4Jax their wall of 61 fallen Jacksonville officers. They are made up of all shades, fighting the good fight before their lives were taken through senseless and violent acts.