Dozens gather at Buchanan High to honor injured correctional officers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Correctional Officers Juanita Davila and Toamalama Scanlan remain in the hospital. Both are in critical condition after Scanlan was shot in the head and Davila in the neck but authorities said Davila is stable.

Convicted rapist Thong Vang opened fire on the two correctional officers Saturday in the jail lobby. He's now in custody facing attempted murder charges and other felonies.

On Sunday, a group of Buchanan High School students organized a prayer vigil for those injured officers. Among the roughly 100 people who came were Scanlan's children. They're students at Buchanan and are leaning on this community of friends for support.

A lot of tears were shed at the prayer circle, while students and parents gathered to pray. The tragic event pushed a group of high school girls to do something special for Scanlan's three kids who attend their school.

"I didn't think I would be emotional for this at all," organizer Sierra Steffen said. "But knowing people are coming together and wanting to pray for him and the officer involved it feels really good."

Scanlan's son Toamalama Jr. stepped away from his father's bedside to attend the gathering. He said he was touched by the outpouring of support.

"It means a lot to see all these people come out for my family and for them to give their prayers for my family and dad," he said.

The gathering, however, was not the first of the day. Earlier Sunday, Scanlan's church family prayed for the family during their morning service. Two of his daughters were there and we're told they even spoke to the congregation - telling them they have already found in their hearts to forgive the man who shot their father.

"It was really humbling to watch the love that they all had and the support that they gave to each other," family friend Marti Walkwork said.

Walkwork said it's been great to see the entire community come together to support a man who always made it a point to be of service to others.

"I'm afraid that it's not probably going to be enough to make it easy for them," he said. "It's going to be a challenge that they have to go through but maybe we can ease the burden a little bit."

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe account for the two officers, here.