Inmates Pen Heartwarming Letter Over Fallen Gwinnett Officer

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA – Twenty inmates wrote a heartwarming letter to Sheriff Butch Conway and the community recently, expressing their condolences over fallen hero, Officer Antwan Toney.

"This was a tragic incident that never should have occurred," reads the letter, in part. "And though law enforcement and criminals may be considered opposites, the intrinsic value of a human life transcends those boundries by far. Right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter the color uniform."

The Sheriff's office responded with a Facebook post, showing their appreciation for the inmates' condolences.

"Our community has made it abundantly clear that they share our heartache at the loss of Gwinnett County Police Department's Officer Antwan Toney, who gave his life in the service of others three weeks ago today," reads the Facebook post.

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"We've never seen a greater show of community support than we did as Officer Toney's family led the procession following his memorial service. Amazing citizens lined the streets for miles and miles. We saw people on crutches, in wheelchairs and holding canes standingoutside for hours to pay their respects. We saw school children whose parents signed them out of school to honor our slain brother. These meaningful acts humbled every law enforcement officer who witnessed them.

There have since been countless kind gestures from school rooms to ball fields expressing deep appreciation and respect for our fallen hero. We can't thank you enough for your continued support and empathy.

"We wanted to share yet another kind gesture with you today to honor Officer Toney and the incredible impact he's left on our community," continued the post.

"Sheriff Butch Conway received a heartfelt letter from the most unlikely group of citizens expressing their sorrow at our loss and their support of law enforcement. The return address on the envelope is our own because the letter was sent by a group of inmates currently housed in our jail.

"We're not including their names to protect their privacy, but we're deeply appreciative of this act of kindness from these men. We think that Officer Toney would also be appreciative of their actions and we hope you are, too."

SEE ALSO:

• Touching Sheriff's Post Falls Closer To Home After Gwinnett Loss
• Schools, Police Honor Fallen Officer Before Game
• Hero Gets Incredible Send Off After His 'End Of Watch': Photos
• Slain Officer's Procession Route Planned, Community Invited
• Slain Georgia Police Officer Antwan Toney: 5 Things To Know
• Cop Killer Shot, Killed After Wielding Lawnmower Blade: Police
• Slain Officer's Funeral, Visitation Arrangements Made
• Manhunt Ongoing For Cop Killer After SWAT Search Comes Up Empty
• Cop Killer Identified, Still At Large: Gwinnett Police

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office