The nation paused for a moment of silence Friday morning to honor and remember those who died in last week's mass school shooting.

Our crews were there as Bristol, Virginia leaders bowed their heads at 9:30 Friday morning.

About a dozen people mourned the loss of those hundreds of miles away in Connecticut, but it was also a chance to grieve the loss of one of their own; Bristol, Virginia police officer Kevin Snow, who police said passed away of natural causes on Wednesday.

"It's been hard. Especially being a former officer myself. I feel for the officers here, because this was a well respected gentleman," said Jim Steele, Bristol, Virginia's mayor.

Mayor Steele also told us the moment of silence was a time to reflect on the need for change when it comes to protecting children.