FMPD chief among dozens at Club Blu prayer service

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Chief Derrick Diggs was one of dozens to attend a prayer service for peace and healing at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Wednesday.

The service was held to respond to the shooting at Club Blu, the unsolved murder at Zombicon and the violent crimes that happen regularly in Lee County.

Diggs said assistance from the faith-based community is one piece to working to end community violence.

“We need to continue to work together as a community. Faith-based, citizens, political — politicians, we all need to work together because unless we’re all willing to work together and give the proper support, that’s the only way this violence is going to come to an end,” he said.

Rev. Frank Dewane, Bishop of the Dioces of Venice, said the loss of the two Club Blu shooting victims was a loss for all of society.

“Those were very young individuals. Their whole life ahead of them and suddenly they’re squished out and they don’t exist,” he said.

He agreed with Digg’s message of unity to solve the violence plaguing Fort Myers.

“We come together because, you know, there’s been some violence that has occurred within our community,” Dewane said. “I think all of us have to come in and increase awareness that this violence is in our midst and something has to be done to respond to it.”