Officials responded to the police shootings on Sunday in Baton Rouge.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond issued the following statement:
“For the second time in less than two weeks our nation has witnessed the horrific and cowardly assassination of law enforcement officers while performing their constitutional duties and keeping their communities safe. This time, three officers were killed and numerous others were injured in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after being ambushed by at least one known gunman.
"It is imperative that the residents of Hamilton County and our Nation know that law enforcement personnel are here to protect “all” lives and that every life is precious. Law enforcement personnel are not the enemy and this type of behavior and senseless killing will not be tolerated. It has to stop.
"During times like these, we must, as a community, come together and support our dedicated members of law enforcement and offer them our prayers and respect.
"I have instructed our personnel to remain vigilant and steadfast. Furthermore, I have asked all division heads to issue additional internal directives to help keep our deputies and our personnel safe.
"Please keep the officers and the families of those who have been killed or injured in Baton Rouge in your thoughts and prayers. It is times like this when we must look to our faith and remember all the many great things that make our Nation strong and free.
"God Bless our members of law enforcement as they seek daily to perform their duties to the best of their abilities and protect all those who proudly call themselves, Americans.”
Bradley County Sheriff Eric Watson released the following statement:
"I am sickened and appalled by the events unfolding in Baton Rouge today. I, along with the entire Bradley County Sheriff's Office, grieve for the brave men and women of the Louisiana law enforcement community.
"Sadly, today’s events and those in Dallas, once again demonstrate the profound dangers law enforcement face and witness on a daily basis.
"Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to confront crime and violence in our communities. They do this because they took an oath to safeguard their fellow citizens. They believe in that oath, and they feel an allegiance to and pride for the citizens they protect and the communities they serve.
"Tragically, the troubling reality is that today law enforcement officers are being targeted just for wearing a uniform. This is intolerable, inexcusable, and totally unacceptable.
"It is essential to remember that law enforcement officers, like the people they protect, are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, daughters, and sons. Despite the passions aroused by recent events, we must realize that violence is never the solution.
"Understanding recent challenges, we call on community leaders to work with the law enforcement community to address issues of mutual concern, identify solutions, modify rhetoric, and ensure safer communities for our citizens and our officers."