Hartford Police said they are coping with the shooting in Dallas.
"Any cop who puts on their uniform in the morning woke up pretty raw," said Hartford Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley.
Deputy Chief Foley take us inside the atmosphere among Hartford officer hours after police say 25-year-old Michah Johnson fatally shot 5 officers and injured seven others during a police protest in Dallas.
"We've had our Chief down at our role calls, the union put out messages about staying safe," said Foley.
This morning, officers spoke with community groups and community leaders. A connection Hartford pd said they've been building before the deadly shooting.
"The intent of that is just to talk and just to communicate on, how do we heal? And how do we move forward from here?" said Foley.
Whether what occurred in Dallas changes to how police handle protest in Hartford is undetermined.
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"We are aware, painfully aware of what happened in Dallas and we think it's an isolated incident and we pray it's an isolated incident," said Foley.
While a band of mourning covers the badges across Hartford police force Friday. Foley said the shooting has already touched the hundreds of officers and the thousands they've sworn to protect.
"We aren't a police department who will operate in fear. Our cops aren't scared of our citizens, we are with them, we are communicating with them. And that's what I want you to know. We are calm and we are centered," said Foley.
Community groups and community members are also sharing their thoughts on the fatal Dallas shooting.
"I don't think anyone would say this is an acceptable response to the violence that's been visited," said Urban League of Greater Hartford CEO Adrienne Cochrine.
Cochrane said with the death of two black man at the hands of police officers in two different states emotions have been building. Now, with the attack in Dallas, emotions are boiling over.
"Certainly hear from citizens a sense of outrage obviously in the most recent losses of life in Baton Rouge and Minnesota," said Cochrine.
"We walk away everyday worried. Every time they stop us, our life is at risk," said Barbershop Owner Lebert Fitzgerald Lester II.
Lebert Lester owns "It's a G thang" barbershop in Hartford. The reaction to the Dallas shooting is filling his shop.
"Not all cops are bad, but then not all black men are bad. The thing is, they have to learn we have to co-exist," said Lester II.
"What it is sparking and what I do think is really important is, conversations are happening. Regardless of the content of the conversations. The conversations are now happening," said Cochrine.
While the protests around the nation remain, those in Hartford hope violence is never sought in their state.
"It's senseless. And more senseless violence and more senseless loss of life regardless of which side is unacceptable," said Cochrine.
