LUZERNE COUNTY -- In Luzerne County, police officers and civilians are reacting to this week's violence.
In Wilkes-Barre, a small group of demonstrators held a protest on Public Square with signs that say, "Black lives matter."
They insist what happened in Dallas, Texas makes their message even more important.
The sound of a song could be heard on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre, as a small group of women stood in the blazing sun holding signs saying, "Black lives matter."
Student minister Jennifer Jo Von Rue of Shavertown organized the demonstration. She believes the killing of five police officers in Dallas by a sniper makes her group's message even more urgent.
"My heart is broken in indescribable ways, not just for black lives but also for police lives, but we can't matter until black lives matter equally."
"Absolutely horrified by what happened in Dallas, but the truth is we have to we have to work together," said Rebecca Boerger of Kingston. "The reason this stuff keeps happening is because nobody trusts each other."
Reaction to the demonstrators was mixed. Some people drove by and honked their horns in support; others rolled down the window and shouted, "All lives matter!"
Derek King-Kears stopped to thank the women for taking a stand.
"I just wish that these killings stop, and everybody can just reunite and be one, we all can make a change if we become one."
A lot of people we spoke with say building trust between police and the public is an issue that goes beyond race.
A black band across a badge is a symbol of the grief and shock felt in Luzerne County.
One constable in Kingston worries his uniform and badge could now make him a target.
"I thought about not working today, but we have to keep going, keep doing our job," said Pennsylvania State Constable George Hutter.
Jerry Speziale leads police forces in both Hazleton and Paterson, New Jersey. Before that, he was a police officer in New York City and survived an ambush.
"I've been shot, and I have had to shoot somebody. It is a very unfortunate situation," said Hazleton Police Chief Jerry Speziale.
The chief says while emotions are running high, the department has to respond by continuing to build trust in the community.
"Whether it be a demonstration, whether it be a large scale event, it's all about the people in the community trusting the police to be there for them," the chief said.
