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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The family of a Ferguson police officer released a statement Wednesday thanking the community for its support as the officer continues to “bravely fight for his life� after suffering a severe brain injury during a protest on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death.

The family of Officer Travis Brown, known as “TJ� to his loved ones, said they’ve been by his side in the hospital and asked for prayers that Brown heals.

“We are holding onto hope and trusting in the power of faith to see him through this difficult time,� Brown’s family wrote. “Travis is more than a police officer; he is a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. A man of strong faith, his heart is as big as his smile, and his positive energy is truly contagious.�

“We know he is determined to continue living life to the fullest once he has recovered,� they said. “At this time, we kindly ask for your continued prayers as we focus on Travis’s healing and recovery.�

Brown was injured late Friday while trying to arrest someone for damaging the police department’s fence during a protest in observance of the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death.

Video released by police on Tuesday showed Elijah Gantt running around a car and into Brown, who had stopped to try to catch him.

Gantt hit Brown squarely, and the two fell, Gantt on top of Brown, the video showed.

“He tackled my guy like he was a football player,� Ferguson police Chief Troy Doyle said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Brown’s family in their statement thanked the community for the “overwhelming� support they’ve received. His GoFundMe campaign had raised almost $60,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

“We stand for peace across the United States of America and beyond,� Brown’s family wrote. “In these challenging times, we pray for unity and for God’s mercy to rest upon us all.�