Residents rally to support police in Northeast Philadelphia

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The roaring motorcycles and honking horns were the anthem of Sunday's rally to back Philadelphia's boys in blue.

And for many like Alana Crockett, it's personal.

"I wanted to support my stepdad and my uncle and the police for all they've done," said Alana.

"It's overwhelming, it's amazing that Philadelphia has this support for our officers. We need it at this time," said Capt. Anthony Luca, 15th District. "And it's been a lot of negativity going around law enforcement. Not just with us, but across the country."

The recent shootings of African-American men by law enforcement, and the murders of 10 police officers across the country have put a spotlight on the relationship between communities and those in uniform.

We asked Jeannie Lavin of Northeast Philadelphia what runs through her mind as a mother of a police officer when she sees what's happening across the country?

"Scared to death. I pray to God everyday for safety," said Lavin.

"Some will die for us everyday, and we just have to support them," said R.J. O'Brien of Mayfair.

"I want the public to think twice, to think about what it would be like to walk in their shoes one day, and go through what they go through, before they are so critical," said Karen Drum of Bucks County.

We asked James Laeshire of Delran Township, New Jersey, why he felt it was important to bring his kids to the rally?

"They need to learn the police will help you. They're not all bad," said Laeshire.