An officer-involved shooting in Waco was witnessed by more than just police officers. A little girl - whose family lives close by - also got a first hand glimpse when a suspect got shot by police.
That's when some of Waco's little known heroes, the Victim Services Division got involved.
"They called our unit out so that we could assist with that, as well as with the officers," Tami Parsons, Waco Police Department's Victim Services Coordinator said. "In this situation, we went out there and made she she was o.k.,"
Parsons said the division provides support for those who need help after a traumatic event. She said Victim Services not only helps everyday citizens, but also police officers.
The division coordinator also said that victim services provides support for everyone -- it does not matter if the person was victimized, or if the person is close to someone who hurt another person.
"As long as they weren’t involved with what happened, we’re more than willing to talk with them and see what we can do to help them," Parsons said. "It’s kind of like how you treat your best friend -- you go out, you listen to them, you give them information if they have questions."
Bruce Martin is friends with Jonathon Tucker Gober, the man who was shot by Waco Police.
On Tuesday, the Waco Police Department went to serve Gober a warrant when he ran from officers. Gober showed police his weapon, and police shot at Gober.
"He was a cool dude to me. He was alright. That was my little buddy," Martin said. "When he see the kids and stuff you know he give the kids candy. He was a good dude."
Martin said hearing the news that Gober was shot was shocking. He said the shooting was an eye opener for him.
"When they say all lives matter, they're right. All lives supposed to matter. But in the eyes of the law, it doesn’t happen like that," Martin said.
But Victim Services Coordinator Parsons said that the division is there, "to protect those victims, family members, friends [and to give them] a safe place."
The division will soon start a training academy for anyone interested in being a volunteer.
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