Photo by Ken Allsup
Photo by Ken Allsup

Photos by Ken Allsup

Approximately 200 Walmart employees, family members, friends, members of the community and first responders gathered at the Pella Walmart for a candlelight vigil Friday night in memory of those lost and injured in the crash that killed three Thursday morning.

There were prayers and memories shared and choir members from Central College who joined the gathering to sing songs of healing.

Associates showed their appreciation to law enforcement and emergency personnel, and thanked them for responding so quickly with compassion.

Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky said the evening shared among the group was impactful to everyone in attendance.

“It’s reassuring to see a community come together like this after a tragedy,” Bokinsky says.

While not all employees are ready to work again so soon, one associate who was on scene during the crash told KNIA/KRLS that many are ready to get back to serving the public. He asked shoppers for patience if on occasion a worker has to leave the floor for a few minutes to compose themselves, and that when we are cashing out, we just might see a tear or two.

20161202_190532

20161202_190550

20161202_190647

20161202_190815

20161202_190930

20161202_191723

20161202_192154

20161202_192528

20161202_192555