Melissa Randall wasn't expecting large numbers to show up for the ecumenical service organized by local churches and the tri-town police departments early Saturday morning.

But Randall, wife of Mattapoisett Patrol Officer Robert Randall, ventured over to ORR Junior High anyway with her young children, ages 2 and 4, in support of her husband and the officers.

She was delighted by what she saw.

"I'm very pleased there is a good turnout," she said, as more than 100 people packed the junior high school auditorium to offer prayer, support and express solidarity with the local police officers. Attendees fetched extra fold-out chairs as places filled up fast.

During a time when police are under scrutiny due to reports of systematic abuse, coupled with the recent tragedies of murdered police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, "everyone has an opinion," Randall said. "With social media, it's 10 times worse."

But that morning, religious leaders and police officials called for peace and unity. The service brought people together to pray, meditate in silence, and meet with police officers.

Also, there was music; a bagpipe performance of "Amazing Grace," and the singing of "Let Peace Begin with Me" by local youth singing group The Showstoppers. At the back of the room, attendees signed a large poster board with their own personal messages of support for the officers.

"This was the right thing to do; coming together physically, emotionally, and spiritually to express a desire for unity, a desire for peace, when many corners of the world are increasingly unsafe," said Rev. Amy Lignitz Harken of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church.

She said the service enabled the community to acknowledge how officers collectively find themselves in situations of violence and to offer a blessings for them--while also understanding the importance of battling racism and the negative impact of power and privilege in the broader culture.

In the end, "we are all here as part of God's human family," Harken said.

Mattapoisett Chief of Police Mary Lyons thanked the local clergy for the service, noting that many officers are feeling disheartened by national events.

She read aloud a Facebook post from Montrell Jackson, who struggled being a black cop, in the aftermath of the Dallas shooting of officers.

"'I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform, I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat. Please don’t let hate infect your heart. This city must and will get better ... if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer I got you'" Lyons said, reciting his words.

"This statement summarizes my thoughts and feelings," she said, noting the sad news that Jackson was tragically shot shortly thereafter in Baton Rouge.

Rochester Chief of Police Paul Magee, who was a main organizer behind the event, also spoke.

"When I become an officer when I was 18, I never thought this would happen 30 years later," he said, commenting on the recent shootings.

His "disheartened feelings disappeared quickly" when residents dropped off cookies, cakes, hand-written notes of support at the station, he said.

However, he said he felt mixed emotions. "All I know is that we need unity. We don't need groups to divide us, we need people to come together."

During his remarks, Marion Chief of Police Lincoln Miller recalled a person recently asking him if he was worried about putting on a uniform.

"I want all officers in this nation and country to be proud to wear a uniform. Don't let the things that happen in Dallas, Baton Rouge, and elsewhere in the country, dishearten you," he said, urging the officers to remember their positive contributions.