Georgia Inmates Pen Heartfelt Letter in Support of Slain Deputy

A group of nearly two dozen inmates at the Gwinnett County (GA) Jail signed a letter to Sheriff Butch Conway in support of the agency as it mourns the murder of Officer Antwan Toney, who was killed last month while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle near a school.

"On behalf of myself and a number of fellow prisoners who are currently serving time in the Gwinnett County Detention Center, I wish to extend condolences to Officer Toney's family and the GCSO Brotherhood as a whole," the letter said.

"This was a tragic incident that never should have occurred. And although law enforcement and criminals may be considered opposites, the intrinsic value of a human life transcends those boundaries by far," the letter said.

"It is from this standpoint, in a spirit of gratitude and utmost respect that I submit this letter to honor all police officers, military personnel, and first responders. Your service and sacrifice make the world a better place for all."

The agency posted an image of the letter to its Facebook page on Saturday, saying, "Officer Antwan Toney, who was killed Oct. 20 while responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle near Shiloh Middle School."

The post said also that Sheriff Conway received a heartfelt letter from the most unlikely group of citizens expressing their sorrow at our loss and their support of law enforcement.

"The return address on the envelope is our own because the letter was sent by a group of inmates currently housed in our jail," the post said.