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‘He’s a fighter:’ Crowd prays for wounded RPD officer

Posted at 6:51 PM, Jan 04, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-04 19:43:07-05

RICHMOND, Va. – There was a show of solidarity Sunday for the Richmond police officer recovering in the hospital after exchanging gunfire with a suspect in the city’s Fulton neighborhood Friday.

Dozens turned out for a vigil for Master Patrol Officer William Turner outside VCU Medical Center Sunday afternoon.

Richmond police officers, members of the community and friends and Turner's family members gathered to show support and pray in the courtyard outside the hospital for the wounded officer.

“What A mighty God we serve,” the crowd sang.

Police said that Turner remains hospitalized in critical condition with his wife by his side.

Meanwhile, the suspect who allegedly shot at Turner, Tamar Harris, is in fair condition. Police have taken out warrants against him, but are waiting to serve them.

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Turner's friends said the 30-year veteran is a model officer and family man.

Near the end of the service, blue candles were lit and those in attendance hugged.

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Cheryl Nici-O'Connell, who wwas shot in the head while working for RPD in 1984, believes this kind of unity heals.

“My doctors called me miracle girl, and that's what we're praying for Officer Turner -- a miracle," Nici-O'Connell said.

Organizers plan on meeting in the courtyard for prayer every day at 3 p.m. until Turner is released from the hospital.

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