In the wake of several police slayings nationwide, Open Arms Community Church is taking a stand, and honoring the men and women of the local police forces.

The church will present a series called Real Life Heroes Sunday, with service times in Bradford at 1289 East Main St. at 9:15 and 11 a.m.,  and in Port Allegany at 105 Smith Ave. at 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. More information can be found at the church’s website atwww.openarms.tv

The church is hoping to inspire their congregation and their community to make a difference, and to be a hero, by using their local police force as an example.

“We decided to do this series because we have a false perception that you have to have superpowers and dress in spandex to make a difference in the lives of people, but the truth is it just takes the willingness and the action,” says McAvoy, “Everybody is a hero to somebody. Everyone can make a difference in their family, workplace, school, community and beyond.”

McAvoy says that the Real Life Heroestheme will be a recurring one, focusing on different community heroes each year.  “We chose Law Enforcement this year for several reasons, 1) because we feel that of all the public servants, these men and women put their life on the line every time they put on that uniform and 2) with all the attention on the bad examples of Law Enforcement, we wanted to draw attention the the majority who are doing it right and show our gratitude, appreciation, and support for them, their families, and what they do.”