Dallas County is a small and rural area when it comes to population.

Everyone that has grown up here knows that.

So, when Micah Hale was wounded during an ambush shooting, it was only a matter of time before the community would begin coming together to do things for him and his family.

Whether it was his daughter’s pre-school or the Valley Grande Mexican Grille benefit over the weekend, the county came together to rally behind someone who keeps us all safe.

What happened to Hale was tragic.

Tragedy can either make or break a community. It is safe to say that Selma and Dallas County have recently experienced more tragedy than other places, but it is because of the small tight-knit community bond that we all have that turns tragedy into strength.

We commend those that showed up this weekend to help support Officer Hale and his family.

It is events like this that keeps all of us here instead of abandoning the place that is our home.

There are enough people in this county and Selma left that are fighting to take back the place that is their home.

It is the place you all grew up at.

It is the place you all are now raising your families at.

We encourage you all to not give up the fight to win back our community from crime and violence.

There is strength in numbers, and that will be key to making Dallas County and Selma safe again.