FERGUSON, Mo. — It was a touching tribute for Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown.
The 36-year-old officer, on the force for just seven months, is now fighting for his life.
"Our officer is still in bad shape," said Chief Troy Doyle.
Tuesday evening, a teary-eyed Doyle was among the hundreds packing the Ferguson Police Department's parking lot to pray for the officer and their community.
"It's good to see us all coming together. Ferguson is no longer ground zero. This is the ground of hope," Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones yelled during her fiery, brief speech to the crowd.
Investigators said Brown suffered a severe head injury after a protester attacked him during the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death Friday night.
"He's that model officer. He's that officer that a community would want," Doyle said.
The beloved officer, father of two and a dedicated deacon at his church, remains in a coma.
"God, we pray for a miracle of healing. We pray for a great turning around," said Ferguson Pastor Jonathan Thomas.
"He was riding in the car with me earlier that day and we had some good conversations, so this is painful," added Doyle.
Just holding Officer Travis Brown's vest definitely was an emotional time for one of his fellow officers.
"He came over from the St. Louis County Police Department with me. We wanted to make a difference in the community. He's my brother," said Ferguson Officer Andre Spraggins.
Spraggins saw his brother in blue fall to the ground that night.
"I'm just really getting back to myself after three days. It was real hard, so to be able to honor him by carrying his vest for the memorial really meant a lot to me," Spraggins added.
"This really just needs to be the time that we all come together," Doyle said.
He says in love and peace.
"Mixed races, old, young. I mean look at this crowd. It's really heartwarming. This is what community looks like," added Doyle.
A community pulling for Officer Brown.
"We are a close community and we're standing behind him," says Ferguson resident Maureen Pegg.
"I want him to know that we're fighting with you. I know you personally, dude, and I know you are strong. I know you'll get through this," added Spraggins.
The other two officers who were injured Friday night are back at work.
A GoFundMe page has already raised $45,000 to help Brown's family with mounting medical bills and other expenses.
If you'd like to make a donation, click here.