Current and former Richmond residents as well as first responders around the region have taken to social media to lament the shooting of Richmond Police Department Officer Seara Burton and indicate they are praying for her recovery.

Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter issued a statement Wednesday night, saying he was praying for Burton and others affected.

“Our entire agency is devastated by the news of the shooting of Officer Burton. I’m staying in constant communication with RPD to lend support in any way. The Indiana State Police are conducting a full investigation and we must respect that process and respect those involved. As a man of faith, I will be praying for Officer Burton, her family and friends, the Richmond Police Department, and our entire community.”

Here are a few comments from other area leaders shared on social media:

Richmond Mayor Dave Snow: “Our prayers are with Officer Seara Burton and her family tonight. This sort of reprehensible violence has no place in our city. I have been visiting with our officers throughout the evening, and I am incredibly grateful that they acted quickly to neutralize the assailant. Officer Burton was doing her duty to the citizens of Richmond to protect and serve when she was brutally attacked. She is a hero who has embodied strength and dedication since her early days on the force. And tonight, she needs us to return the favor. She needs the strength of the entire Richmond community to rally behind her to help her through the night and the coming weeks and months. Additionally, please keep Officer Burton’s family and members of the Richmond Police Department in your prayers as they deal with this unthinkable tragedy.”

Fayette County Sheriff’s Department: “Please join us in praying for our sister from the Richmond Police Department and the all the first responders in Wayne County at this time.”

Reid Health EMS: “Our thoughts and prayers are heavy this evening for Richmond Police Department, all involved professionals, family and friends, as they are dealing with the worst possible situation imaginable.”

Fayette County 911: “We pray for Richmond Police officers tonight. Police officers protect, and take care of the community, save lives, help citizens in need. Without hesitation these officers give their life away from their families to help everyone. They too want to go home every night safe. Please say a prayer for RPD, as they have one in the line of duty injured. They need us!”

Union County Sheriff Office: “We are praying for the Richmond Police Officers and all first responders in Richmond.”

Centerville Police Department: “Our thoughts and Prayers are with the injured Richmond Officer, their family, friends and the entire Richmond Police Department.”

Whitewater Community Television: “Our thoughts and prayers are with officer Seara Burton, her family, and the entire Richmond Police Department as she is still fighting for her life. Seara made history as the first female K9 officer in Wayne County and has made our community so proud.”

Eaton, Ohio, Police Division: “Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Richmond Police Officer Shot earlier in the line of duty.”

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Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.