A call came in to the Covington/Newton County 911 Center around 12:24 p.m. Monday to report shoplifting at Walmart in Covington. This call resulted in something no one could have ever imagined, with the shooting of Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper. Since that time, the community has come together to show its support for Officer Cooper, his family and CPD as a whole.

Violence towards law enforcement is at an all-time high throughout the nation and after Monday’s incident, this community has shown that it is not going to be accepted locally. It is encouraging to see people from all walks of life getting together in support of a common cause.

Since Monday, local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations and residents have worked together for the common goal of supporting Officer Cooper and his family.

This week was the perfect example of what this community can do when it works together towards a common goal.

Monday night, a local business owner shared the idea on social media of hosting a raffle to benefit Cooper and his family. That idea blossomed into more than they could ever have imagined and became something this community should be proud of. More than $64,000 was raised Thursday night from this event.

Thursday’s event was just one of many that have occurred throughout the week as people attempt to wrap their heads around what happened and feel the constant need to want to do something in support.

As we continue to cross the days off the calendar and Officer Cooper continues his fight to recovery, let’s not stop this collaboration and community support. While it seems to have taken a tragic event to bring this community together, let’s not let it go to waste.

Covington and Newton County is a community to be proud of, not just for its response to this incident, and we need to work together to continue that community collaboration. Get involved. Whether it is through volunteering with a local organization or putting your name in the hat for an elected office, the people in this community have shown what they can do when they’re involved and it is imperative that the momentum continues.

Our Thoughts is the opinion of The Covington News’ editorial board. For more information, please email news@covnews.com.