The Essential: #SupportOhio - 2 Officers Killed In Our Community

Photo Credit: Genoa Township Police Department

We have all heard the terrible atrocities on the news. Every day it seems that we are faced with another heartbreaking story of someone’s life being taken too soon.

I will admit, I can usually detach myself emotionally from these things.

But that is easier said than done when it happens in my own community.

As some of you may have heard, 2 officers were shot and killed in City of Westerville, Ohio on Saturday afternoon. A community of approximately 39,000 people.

54-year-old officer Anthony Morelli and 39-year-old officer Eric Joering we’re responding to a 9-1-1 hang up call (potential a domestic abuse call) when they were they were met with gun fire.

The initial call had a woman crying and quickly hanging up. The officers responded and there was a second call with a woman frantically asking for help- after the officers were shot.

Officer Joering was pronounced dead at the scene and Morelli was rushed to the hospital in critical condition along with the suspect who was injured in the shooting. Morelli later passed away at the hospital and the suspect’s condition has yet to be known.

They never could have imagined that this would be the last call they’d ever respond too.

With almost 50 years of experience between them, no amount of training could have prepared them for the malicious intent that was waiting for them.

The Westerville Police Chief Joe Morbitzer is quoted saying “these were two of the best we had”.

Not only did the Westerville City Police Department loose two of the best officers they had, our community lost two amazing individuals who put their life on the line every day to protect the people of our city.

Officer Joering had a wife and 4 children and Officer Morelli had a wife and 2 children. It breaks my heart to know that both families are now without husbands and fathers.

The suspect in the shooting was 30 year old, Quentin Lemar Smith. Smith had been the suspect in many domestic abuse phone calls from his wife over the past several months.

Smith’s wife identified him as the shooter shortly after the attack on the two officers.

Smith’s mug shot
Photo retrieved from: www.everipedia.com

Last night on the way home my wife and I passed the funeral procession for the officers involved.

*Photo curtesy of Jordan Hicks (screenshot of video taken)

I found myself in tears as I watched the two bucket trucks from the fire department come together to hang the American Flag over the spot where they were shot and killed.

I couldn’t help but think about the families of these men. Those children who now have to grow up without their father. It’s always sad to hear something like this- but to see it in my own town, just a couple blocks from my house...it’s quite overwhelming.

The community held a heavy head as we all watched the officers drive under the flag to show their respect for their beloved fellow officers and friends.

I can tell you one thing:

There is so much love and support in this town. These officers won’t be forgotten.

The people of Westerville will be hanging blue ribbons and displaying blue lightbulbs in honor of the fallen officers.

Photo courtesy of: Westervilleoh.io

#supportohio
#supportwesterville
#supportthepolice

Pray for the families of Officer Joering and Morelli and the citizens of Westerville, Ohio

I’m unaware of any charities or donation services supporting the families at this time but you can certainly hang a blue flag in respect for these brave men.

I will update the post if I become aware of such services.

Edit: the FOP is sponsoring a gofundme page for the officers. click here to donate!!