GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A group of inmates in the Gwinnett County jail penned a heartfelt letter to police in support of law enforcement in the wake of the death of Officer Antwan Toney.
Toney was killed in the line of duty October 20.
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office posted the handwritten letter to their Facebook page Friday.
The identities of the inmates have been redacted, but the letter is addressed to Sheriff Butch Conway and written "on behalf of myself and a number of fellow prisoners who are currently serving time."
"I wish to extend condolences to officer Toney's family and the G.C.S.O. (Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office) as a whole," it reads. "This was a tragic incident that never should have occurred. And though law enforcement and criminals may be considered opposites, the intrinsic value of a human life transcends those boundaries by far."
RELATED STORIES:
- 'A lot of heart:' Here's what we know about fallen officer Antwan Toney
- Suspects in officer's shooting death identified
- 'You made all of us very proud' Family, friends pay respects to fallen officer
The letter goes on to thank all police officers, military personnel and first responders.
"Your service and sacrifice make the world a better place for all," it reads.
The letter appears to be signed by at least 20 inmates, though the Sheriff's Office withheld their names to protect their privacy. .
In a Facebook post, the Sheriff's Office said they shared the letter because they are "deeply appreciative of this act of kindness from these men."
"Sheriff Butch Conway received a heartfelt letter from the most unlikely group of citizens expressing their sorrow at our loss and their support of law enforcement," the Facebook post reads. "The return address on the envelope is our own because the letter was sent by a group of inmates currently housed in our jail."
Toney was just 30 years old when he was gunned down last month. His killer was shot and killed by police.