CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The murder of four police officers sent shock waves throughout our country.
On April 29, law enforcement went to serve a warrant in the Shannon Park community, near The Plaza. The suspect opened fired, injuring numerous officers and killing four.
People across the state have been paying their respects to the fallen heroes and their loved ones, including residents in the Shannon Park community.
Sarah Hanson has an American flag mounted in front of her house to honor the fallen officers.
"That night, after everything happened, we felt compelled to put it up at half-staff to recognize the fallen officers and injured officers," Hanson said.
Hanson has been living in the neighborhood since last November.
"I came from a tight-knit community," Hanson said. "I was nervous about moving out of that community. I'm grateful that Shannon Park has immediately created that sense of community. It's a great place to live."
Hanson is invested in the Shannon Park community.
She joined the Shannon Park Neighborhood Association to assist with beautifying the area.
Her latest efforts are touching the hearts of many in her community.
Hanson and a neighbor created a memorial banner site.
It's located in front of Julian Underwood Park within a short distance of where the shootings occurred.
"There was a few of us who wanted to do something to give a space for the neighborhood to share [special gifts]," Hanson said. "To have such a tragic event happen so close to where we all live, I think it was important to have some sort of place for the community to congregate and share their thoughts, a prayer, gratitude. A place to commemorate the officers that paid the ultimate price. It's the smallest thing we can do."
Neighbors have placed items like flowers, flags and balloons at the growing memorial.
Hanson said she's already seeing how the memorial is impacting others in the neighborhood.
"I live next door and seen a lot of people come and pay their respects. I think in those quiet moments, when you feel like other people are going through or thinking the same things, that builds a sense of community involvement," Hanson said.
Hanson says the memorial site is also a way for people to know Shannon Park is a community that cares.
"We are not what this shooting represents," Hanson said. "This isn't what this neighborhood represents. There's a lot of great folks that have been here for a long time and a lot of folks moving in. It's a great part of Charlotte. There are a lot of people that care about the neighborhood and want to look after one another."
The Shannon Park Neighborhood Association has shared different ways for people to support those impacted by the shooting tragedy. You can find those details on the association's Facebook page.