Signs of respect have surfaced in the Cedar Valley and Northeast Iowa following the deadly ambush-style attacks on two officers in the Des Moines area early Wednesday morning (Nov. 2, 2016).

In Oelwein, police have parked a squad car outside the local station. The car's windshield has a black covering with a thin blue line running through the middle. People have been stopping by to leave flowers, balloons and messages of support on the vehicle.

Uniformed officers in many area agencies are wearing a black band over their badges in memory of the slain officers, Des Moines Sgt. Anthony "Tony" Beminio and Urbandale officer Dustin Martin. Both officers were gunned down as they sat in their patrol cars about two miles from each other.

On Thursday, Scott Greene, 46, of Urbandale was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the case. Greene had severe money problems and had been found by a judge to hit and financially exploit his mother, the Associated Press reported. Court records show a judge ordered Greene to move out of his mother's basement before the two officers were shot and killed.

The public is showing support and reaching out to law enforcement officers in several Iowa communities. In Waterloo, students at George Washington Carver Academy joined Waterloo Schools Superintendent Dr. Jane Lindeman Thursday to present Chief Dan Trelka and the Waterloo police department with a "thank-you" sign and cupcakes in appreciation for all they do to protect and serve the city.

Courtesy: Waterloo Community School District
Courtesy: Waterloo Community School District
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