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Hundreds Gather To Show Support For Local Police Officers

By Steve Patterson

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) – More than 1,000 people, including 14 separate police agencies, gathered in Chester County Sunday to send a message of peace and appreciation to local police.

They called it the "Step Out In Blue" support rally and the message in West Chester was loud and clear: citizens support police.

Hundreds rallying in the streets and the courthouse filled the air with signs and cheers all for one message.

"Blue lives matter," this woman said.

This was done as a reaction to the state of unrest following the killings and controversies in Ferguson and New York. It was a direct show of appreciation on the same day an NYPD police officer was laid to rest. He and his partner were ambushed and slain.

"When people put their lives on the line it's very important to come out and show your support," says Chester County Commissioner Terrance Farrell.

Farrell joined many officials who came out to show solidarity with citizens.

"Every law enforcement agency is represented because we all work together," says Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Welsh.

The biggest impact may have came from the smallest person.

"I'm going around here to support our heroes," seven-year-old Lexi Whistler says.

She was in the crowd, handing out thank you cards to the people she calls "heroes."

"The military, to veterans, police, fire, ambulance -- that's a hero her," Lexi's mother Karen said.

Karen said it started two years ago when Lexi used her own allowance money to make cards and personally hand them to people who wear the uniform. She's done it more than 2,700 times and in return, she says she only likes three things:

"Happy cries, thank yous and a smile."

Lexi's thank you cards have reached as far away as Afghanistan. The seven-year-old has even started a foundation with the help of her mother, but she does not accept donations.

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