After Texas, La. Shootings, Support Pours In For Minn. Police

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Here in Minnesota, support is pouring in for local officers. Some officers say they are seeing "unprecedented" encouragement.

These days flags seem to be resting at half-staff. And badges remain covered with black bands to honor the fallen.

"This is trying times for us to be law enforcement officer," said Deputy Thuan Vuong of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

Vuong made the trip to Dallas to honor five fallen officers on behalf of Hennepin County.

"I'm like, 'Oh my God, I feel so low, I feel so down, now I have 14, 15 hours to drive back to Minnesota,'" Vuong said.

As he made a pit-stop, strangers from Kansas left a note of support on his car.

"It's encouraged me, it's lifted my -- boosted my morale, it's making me feel emotional," he said. "I still have unseen supporters out there."

And support is so strong at the Eagan Police Department, they can taste it.

"You see the cupcakes, we've had Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, we've had Jimmy John's, we've had pizzas, we've had Cub doughnuts," said Chief James McDonald.

And Monday morning a woman tearfully left well-received bagels.

"Strangers coming up to you, giving you a hug. People you've never seen before. And again, I haven't seen that since 9/11," said McDonald.

He's not the only one seeing it. Little Daniel and his family dropped off pie and a card in Eden Prairie. Jennifer and Cameron bought snacks to Crystal police. Brooklyn Park Police Department has been flooded with cards. Maplewood is feeling the love too.

And in St. Paul, one wall is plastered with colorful "thank you" cards.

"I'd like to thank everybody out there who still supports law enforcement," said Vuong.

And whether it be words of gratitude or the consumable type, the gestures seem to be well-received.

How could we forget -- doughnuts -- officers say they've been flooded with those.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek sent this statement to WCCO in response to the support for his department:

"Officers and deputies risk their lives every day for their communities, and even during tragedy they must continue to do their duty to the community they serve. The recent outpouring of support from residents, businesses and community organizations reminds us why we first went into law enforcement and why we love our profession. I personally want to thank everyone who has shown support to our agency, and law enforcement agencies around the country. Your support is greatly appreciated."