Officers fill Ohio church, gym for funeral of slain officers

WESTERVILLE (AP) — Police officers and sheriff’s deputies from around the nation are crowding into an Ohio church for the funeral of two slain police officers.

So many have shown up for Friday’s funeral in the Columbus suburb of Westerville that many will be watching the service on television in a gymnasium next to the church.

Officers Eric Joering and Anthony Morelli were shot last Saturday while responding to a 911 hang-up call.

The veteran officers returned fire, wounding the suspect now charged with aggravated murder.

One of the many out-of-state officers attending the services is Matthew Pfau from the University of Maryland’s police department.

He says law enforcement is one big family. He says he’s been moved by the overwhelming show of support for the slain officers.