Central IL first responders gather for support after 3 officer-involved shootings [Video]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — First responders throughout Central Illinois are standing together after a challenging week.

Following three separate officer-involved shootings in the last few days, first responders throughout the area gathered at the iHotel in Champaign to debrief through a community support initiative meeting.

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Police, EMS and dispatch from seven counties across Central Illinois got the invite to Thursday’s meeting. It was put on by The Anchor Point — or TAP for short. They wanted to give first responders and their families support for the stress they handle every day.

Sunday night, an Indiana sheriff’s deputy was hurt in a shootout in Iroquois County. Wednesday night, two Macomb officers were hospitalized after being shot. That save evening, a Springfield man was shot by police after officials said he shot at officers.

Now, the impacts of this week are being felt in departments across the state.

“One of my fears or worries is that it will happen to one …