Blue lights winked from front porches in Stanton Heights last night, put there by residents who said they are traumatized by the slayings of three police officers in their tightly knit neighborhood but determined not to let the tragedy define them.

Chatting after a candlelight vigil at Sunnyside Elementary on Stanton Avenue, some neighbors said grief still grips the community. People walk a little slower, their heads bowed. And when they pass by 1016 Fairfield St., the Rev. Millie Johnson said, their eyes still well with tears.

"The community has something of a dark cloud over it," she said.

But last night's vigil, held on the steps of the school under a cool evening breeze, was intended to help the healing, she said. "This is to bring about lighter days."

About 50 neighbors clutched candles, pinned blue ribbons to their lapels and prayed for the fallen officers -- and for a neighborhood still on edge.

In unison, they sang, "We Shall Overcome," and said they hoped the community would remain strong.

"It brings about a lot of questions about the steps we're going to take to keep this from happening again," said longtime resident Pinkie Reed, who added that the neighborhood has been known for its block watches and community meetings.

It's the kind of place where friends swap keys and watch each other's houses when they're out of town, she said. "But we still need to know our neighbors."

The vigil, which followed a potluck dinner, aimed to reunite the shaken neighborhood, and it appeared to achieve the desired effect. Many prayed, sang and joined hands, and others lingered on the steps well after their candles had dimmed, just to catch up with one another.

Renee Farrow cradled two blue light bulbs, which she planned to put in place of the white ones on her porch to honor the officers. The swap also offered her some comfort, she said.

"It's showing we're thinking about these people, and their families, and our community, because that's what we are here," she said.

Andrew Coleman III, 12, said he finds it harder to walk to school since the shootings. He said the neighborhood has a different feel.

But, he said, last night's turnout was encouraging.

"For everyone to come out and show their support," he said, "this is a good thing."