Hours before five Dallas police officers were shot and killed, a Dayton police officer issued an emotional plea to the Dayton community: "I pray to God that I don't become a victim. And I pray to God that none of the others become a victim."
Jermar Rayford, a 24-year-old Dayton police officer, was reacting to the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, both shot and killed by police this week.
“I’m absolutely hurt and I’m disgusted by what’s going on in America today, especially when it comes to our citizens and law enforcement,” Rayford said in the video. “I am here to protect and serve my community, but please don’t take that away because of what some others are doing.”
MUST WATCH: Listen to Rayford’s complete message
Rayford said he experienced discrimination by police when he was growing up. His response was to become an officer. “I did this job to be the change in my community,” he said.
“The minute you start threatening to take our lives will be the day you start killing innocent people trying to make a change in the world. I am one of those officers who take pride in my job. I love my job. I am here to serve and protect my community.”
Rayford garnered attention for his dance moves at The Taste of Oregon event last June.
His latest video follows a video posted by Warrensville Police Officer Nakia Jones that has received national attention.
>>Hear the powerful message from Officer Jones
Rayford posted the video following the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.
His video follows a video posted by Warrensville Police officer Nakia Jones that has received national attention.
Rayford is asking the community to join police and realize the “good” he says they are doing.
“I wear clothes just like you. I bleed just like you. I have a home. I come to a family. I bleed just like you,” Rayford said. “How about thanking some of us. How about praying for us. How about you be a change and join the good.”
