A communitywide prayer vigil was held Tuesday at the Long County Courthouse to pray for local and state law-enforcement agencies as well as firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders.

A large crowd showed a sense of unity and support for emergency responders.

Sheriff Craig Nobles led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by statements regarding the state of the country.

"I’ve had a heavy heart reflecting on the things that have happened over the last week," he said.

He also expressed passion and gratitude for his profession and the men and women who work in the field.

"We have to be people who others come to with their problems," he added.

He also professed his belief in God, and he encouraged residents to help others in need by inviting them to their churches as a way to get others off of the paths that they may be on right now.

"We must put God first, and he’s in control of everything," the sheriff said.

Hermon Scott, the chaplain for the Long County Sheriff’s Office, expressed his sentiments about current events, his passion for God and his unwavering support for law enforcement.

"We are here to let our officers know that we love them, and we are praying for them," Scott said.

Scott then asked ministers in attendance to come forward and each was given an opportunity to pray. They were: Steve Davis of Jones Creek Baptist Church; Byron Powers of Compass Worship Center; James Evans of St. James Missionary Baptist; Paul Weldon of Tibet Baptist; Art Davis of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist; Frank Davis of New Hope Baptist; Andy Pusser, associate pastor of First Baptist Ludowici; Tommy Crutchfield of Life United Pentecostal Church in Hinesville; Robert Long of Grace Baptist; Aaron Cowart of Live Oak Church in Hinesville; and Willie Davis of New Hope AME Church.

Concluding the vigil, first responders were asked to step forward so the community could pray over them.