Editor’s Note: These remarks and prayers were delivered Sunday evening at the community vigil for Sgt. Thomas Duran by his friend and fellow officer, Lt. James Ramey. Sgt. Duran, a veteran El Reno police officer, was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident that occurred early on Oct. 17.

I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight.

My name is Lt. James Ramey with the El Reno Police Department. I am currently the chaplain for our Fraternal Order of Police.

Sgt. Thomas Duran and I have worked together for 16 years, he is my friend and my brother in blue.

Sgt. Thomas Duran is a police officer, our co-worker, our friend and our family. Thomas now needs all of us to shower him with prayers, love and support. 

I would first like to thank the citizen who jumped in and assisted. I would like to thank the El Reno police officers, the El Reno firefighters, the El Reno ambulance service and everyone who responded.

Without your diligence, Sgt. Duran would not be receiving the medical attention he needs.

I would also like to thank the City of El Reno, Lindsey Grigg-Moak and Scott McBee for helping set up the location on such short notice. I would also like to thank Kelli Webster, my wife, Stephanie Ramey and Nancy Salsman for organizing this event.

As I was thinking on what I would say tonight, the words of Jesus came to mind. Jesus said I am the light and the way. Jesus also said blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. 

This stirred me as I realized that our first responders that bring peace to the communities in which they work are God’s warriors on earth. First responders are the light in a world where darkness exists. When first responders respond to calls, they arrive at their communities’ darkest moments, illuminating the darkness both literally and mentally for whomever has called on their service.

Thomas Duran is very faithful and believed he was not only a police officer but a street pastor. Thomas wrote the following:

Blessing on Blessings

“I am always thankful when my 7 days of 12 hour shifts are over. I am thankful God delivered me through it unscathed, I am thankful for the people I met, lives hopefully changed for the better. I am thankful for my days off for the uninterrupted time with my family. I have been in this career for a long time ... Some may call me a police officer or cop … I am a street pastor. Saved not Soft.”

Thomas Duran knew the dangers that existed but still put on the uniform and reported for duty, continuously showing faith that God will protect him, guide him and lead him through whatever he faces.

Isiah 6:8 says, God asked, “Who shall I send, and who will go for us.” 

Isiah's reply, “Here am I. Send me!” 

I know Thomas likes this passage and has used it on many occasions. He lives by this creed. This shows he knows he was being sent by our Lord to do his good works.

Now Thomas and his family are facing their own darkness, with uncertainty, worry and doubt about what is to come. As we light candles, we will begin to shine a light into the darkness. This light will show love, support, brother and sisterhood, and solidarity with him and his family.

With these candles we will send our own light forward to Thomas and his family to remind them they are not alone, we are with them, we are praying for his quick recovery, we believe in healing in strength, and brighter days to come.

Let this vigil be a symbol of faith, of unity, love, and the unbreakable bond of those who serve, and are served.

May healing come swiftly, may hope and unity stay strong. And may the light we share tonight break the darkness and shine long after this moment.

I would ask that we take a moment of silence to bow our heads and open our hearts. As we pray silently, offer your thoughts and hopes for healing, peace and restoration. Pray for strength for Thomas' body, courage for his spirit and peace for his family.

Please light your candles.

Lord, as we gather here tonight, we would ask you to hear our thoughts and prayers. We ask that you feel the unity of your believers, and your grace and mercy abound here tonight.

Lord, you are our refuge and our strength, a very present help in troubled times. Lord, we would ask you to stretch out your healing hand and bring restoration to Thomas’ body. We ask you to ease his pain, mend what is broken, and protect him in his time of need. We pray for the family, friends and fellow first responders. Strengthen them with your love, give them reassurance and calm as they walk through this difficult time. May they find rest in you, trusting you are in control.

Lord, surround Thomas with skilled doctors and compassionate caregivers. Lord, guide all the medical staff in their work as we know you are the great physician. We trust in your mercy and healing power.

It is in your holy name I pray. AMEN!