Since 2001, Sept. 11 has become synonymous with terrorist attacks that played out through the hijacking of four American Airlines flights and the resulting loss of lives, including more than 2,500 individuals at the World Trade Center complex.

 

It is the desires of some locals that the infamous date become known for hope. A “Cover the Badge” prayer vigil will be held 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11 at Bridgeport Recreation Complex.

 

At the helm is Pastor Tom Horne of Lifeway Bible Fellowship Church.

 

“This got started the week before the shooting of five police officers in Dallas,” he said. “I was in church preaching and it just stirred my heart.”

 

With the events that played out in Dallas and other parts of the nation during early-July, Horne became even more adamant about hosting a prayer vigil for all members of law enforcement. He made contact with Pastor Mike Hopkins of Simpson Creek Baptist Church, who suggested Pam Hotsinpiller - mother of U.S. Deputy Marshall Derek Hotsinpiller, who was killed in the line of duty in February of 2011 – become involved. A steering committee, also including Alex Neville, Tim Boyer and West Virginia Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein, was formed and the ball got rolling.

 

It was Neville who suggested Sunday, Sept. 11 and 4 p.m. was chosen so as not to conflict with morning and evening worship services at various churches.

 

The focus of the vigil will be prayer for all civil service personnel.

 

“They are getting run over. There’s no respect for anyone in authority,” Horne said. “The lord has sent me this thing.”

 

It was Romans 3:1-5 that stirred his heart, he said. Horne also plans to share Joshua 1:6-9 in his closing benediction, he said.

 

Similar to National Day of Prayer, participants will congregate in small groups, targeting prayer for different types of law enforcement; police officers, first responders, correctional officers, prison guards, etc.

 

Hotsinpiller, who is helping to develop an action plan, said prayer cards will be distributed and there will be a presentation of colors.

 

“Tom will talk a little about how this came about and its purpose and lead prayer,” she said.

 

Psalm 91, which Hotsinpiller used at the 2016 Fallen Stars Memorial 5K, will be implemented into this event, as well.

 

“It was previously turned into a prayer for soldiers and we tweaked it for law enforcers,” she said.

 

Horne said the prayer vigil is not a church event, but rather a community event. Hotsinpiller said it’s not just a one-time initiative.

 

“We don’t want it to just be that one day. We want to impress upon people that this is a need; something they can pray about anytime,” she said.

 

Both Horne and Hotsinpiller ask that community members save the date and plan to attend. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured are Pastor Tom Horne and his wife, Pam Hotsinpiller, and a prayer vigil held in July for Jack Rollins at Bridgeport Recreation Complex.