There are no words to describe the horror that visited itself on the City of Dallas last week. Whatever anyone's motivation for being downtown Thursday night, there is nothing that condones the violence and wanton disregard for human life that was witnessed during those heart-wrenching hours.

  Although the reporting of questionable use of force incidents appears to be rising, the statistics tell us that it is really not. Perhaps what is different today is the fever pitch that comes from otherwise anecdotal stories being amplified by the 24-hour news cycle and the fact that everyone carries a video camera.

  This is why that, in the midst of unimaginable tragedy, the professional conduct and demeanor of Dallas Police Chief David Brown and Mayor Mike Rawlings have been so important. Other communities facing hot-button issues can learn from their example.

   Here at home, you need to know how your Police Department and your community are responding to this surreal set of circumstances.

   Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said officers started reporting for work as soon as the news began to break Thursday night. While maintaining our standard strength on the streets of Farmers Branch, many of our officers ventured south to help secure the Dallas Police Department's Northwest substation and help Dallas officers answer calls for service.

   In the middle of the night, while activity was still going on downtown, residents began bringing food to the Justice Center since they knew officers would be working long hours and they wanted to show their support. And, it's still coming.

   Then, we found out that the wife of one of the fallen officers, Heidi Smith, is a former employee of our Parks and Recreation Department. Dallas Police Sergeant Michael Smith was 55 and thinking about retirement. Many of our City employees took it upon themselves to join with other members of the community for a massive fundraiser for Sgt. Smith's family Sunday in the parking lot at Westlake Ace Hardware.

   We understand this community effort raised more than $37,000 for Sergeant Smith's family to help cover expenses as well as the future education of his daughters.

   That speaks volumes to the character of this community.

   And, character can make the difference in any conversation.

FARMERS BRANCH ~ More than 3,500 people came out to the parking lot at Westlake Ace Hardware on Sunday to show their support for the family of Dallas Police Sergeant Michael Smith, who was among the five officers killed Thursday in the sniper attack in downtown Dallas.

	More than 50 volunteers donated their time and talents to the fundraiser held Sunday for the family of Dallas Police Sergeant Michael Smith.

   Community volunteers, including Farmers Branch City employees, came together to quickly organize the event to benefit the Smith family, who have close ties to Farmers Branch.

   When the final donations were totaled, more than $37,700 had been donated to Heidi Smith and the couple's two daughters.

   One event organizer said the 50 volunteers were "overwhelmed by the generosity and support of the Farmers Branch community with their money, time and prayers."

   They said donations can still be made to Mary Immaculate Church in Farmers Branch, to the Smith Family Fund.