DANVILLE (WSLS10) - "We're a lot more cautious," said Danville Police Department Cpl. J.L. West, explaining how the attack in Dallas affects local officers.
"We're more aware of our surroundings, we'll try to wait for back up on some calls," Cpl. West continued.
He says it's a harsh reminder about what's important.
"That's what you need to take care of first - your family and your friends," he emphasized. "Let them know that you love them, that you care about them."
"It wakes you up a little bit, to the reality of we might not come home at the end of the day," he pointed out.
As stressful as the day after an incident can be, Cpl. West says his family, friends, and the community are helping him through it.
"I personally got several texts this morning. 'Hey, look, just thinking about you.' 'Just stay safe.' It affects them. It affects anybody who's close," Cpl. West said.
It reminds him that all though it may seem like it, the whole world really doesn't have it out for police officers.
"It helps give you that encouragement when you come to work that not everybody is against you," he said. "That not everyone is trying to see the bad in us."