Concerned citizens in Murfreesboro guarded the Murfreesboro Police Department to show support for officers in light of recent officer-involved shootings across the nation.
"I'm just a United States citizen with a carry permit," said Joshua Alcorn.
With a .22 caliber pistol holstered to his hip, Alcorn was on patrold outside of the Police Department.
"Just protect the law enforcement. They deserve protection. It's just a shame the world has come to what it has today," said Alcorn.
He and one other man stood vigil outside the downtown headquarters Monday after the FBI issued a warning regarding threats made against police elsewhere.
There were none made against Murfreesboro police, but to them, it didn't make a difference.
"We're very appreciative of the gesture," said Sgt. Kyle Evans who added that they did initially question the men about their intentions.
"They told officers they wanted to stand guard outside the police department and show the community has the police department's back," said Evans.
This isn't the first time civilians have guarded law enforcement. Nearly one year ago Alcorn was among those guarding military recruitment offices after the mass shootings in Chattanooga.
Still, others did find other ways to show their support: Namely cupcakes for the officers.
"We appreciate this so much. Yes, thank you so much. We so much appreciate you," said a family which dropped off the desserts.
Alcorn was glad to see others showing care.
He said he'd be back on public property each morning with his gun on patrol.
Alcorn and his partner were among the very first in the country to start working civilian patrols outside police headquarters since the Dallas shootings.
