Police in Denton saw an outpouring of support Friday as residents "Backed the Badge."
Throughout the day the Denton Police Department reported random acts of kindness towards officers including cards from residents and strangers buying them lunch.
The city police also joined University of North Texas Police and their neighboring departments flashing their lights at 11 a.m. to mourn a Houston deputy gunned down just days ago and show strength with other officers across the country.
Denton Police representative Ryan Grelle said they couldn't be more thankful for the show of support, but regret what it took for a movement like this to happen.
"We hate that it has to be because of a tragic situation; because an officer was killed," said Grelle.
However he said, and it's no secret to most, that the situation between the police and the public can be a complicated one.
Many across the country feel a disconnect from officers and there are even hard feelings from some.
Denton County NAACP leader Willie Hudspeth sees the disconnect every day, but said he hopes to someday see a shift in attitudes.
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"There's a disconnect because of a lack of information," said Hudspeth.
That's why Hudspeth and local departments are working to bridge the gap by reaching out to students to give them a better perception of police.
Hudspeth said it's also on the people to hold more events like "back the badge" and continue to show officers that they are appreciated.
Officer Grelle said his, and many departments have also gotten more involved on social media to better communicate with people and understand one another.
"We're human too. We want to be treated the same way," he said.
The Denton Police also recently added body cameras to their field equipment to promote transparency to the public.
Steps that seem to be making a difference as many residents put blue stripes on their cars or wore blue shirts in support of officers Friday.
The public was invited to attend a vigil Friday evening at the Denton Police Department, where residents and police could have a chance to mourn together and, maybe most of all, to keep talking.
At the event, officers stood together, arm in arm, as the crowd prayed then applauded.
Several dozen showed up in blue ribbons.
"We are out there every day trying to earn the public's trust and do the best job we can, and when this kind of crowd comes to support us, I know we're doing our job and doing it well," said Police Chief Lee Howell.
NBC 5's Bianca Castro contributed to this report.
