Calgary police chief mourns with Dallas after sniper attack

Calgary's top cop is extending condolences and words of support for fellow officers and those affected by the sniper attack in Dallas that left five officers dead and more wounded.

"It's just a tragedy and such a horrific event that occurred," Chief Roger Chaffin told CBC Calgary News at 6.

"The officers involved in this event were out in public, helping a peaceful protest, making sure people were safe. But when you are out there, you are not out there in a tactical setting … you are completely exposed," Chaffin said.

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"This person, whoever it was, had some planning, had some skills, put himself in a position from a high point of fire to be able to point out and execute officers. That is really the highlight of vulnerability."

He said Calgary officers are united in their support.

"The absolute sympathy you feel for the service involved, the friends and family of those lost members in Dallas," the chief said.

Tilden Hooper is Texas-based bareback rider competing in the Calgary Stampede.

He lives about an hour from downtown Dallas.

"It is craziness, all that stuff going on, it really is," Hooper said.

"It is tragic."

He says the large Texas contingent has its home state in their hearts right now.

"I know myself and the rest of the cowboys down here … our hats are off and prayers and thoughts go out to all the families, first responders and everyone affected by it. I hope the city of Dallas and state of Texas stands together and we will get through all of this."

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Chief Chaffin said it's a time to come together, to not allow division to set in.

"Really you don't want to see an environment where policing becomes so hyper-tactical that they can't engage in the public, they can't be seen to be there as a sign of a healthy community.  I hope at the end of the day that it doesn't change the nature of policing at all. This is the sort of event that really pushes you back to your professional state, your commitment to community," Chaffin said.

"Safety really happens when you have a really strong relationship with your community."