Two police officers were killed Saturday while responding to a call in Westerville, Ohio.

Officers Eric Joering, 39, and 54-year-old Tony Morelli, and were responding to a 'potential domestic situation.'

The incident occurred around 1pm Eastern time at Crosswind Drive.

Officers TTwo police officers were killed Saturday while responding to a call in Westerville, Ohio.ony Morelli, 54, (left) and Eric Joering, 39, were killed Saturday while responding to a call in Westerville, Ohio.

Police confirmed via social media that two of the city's police officers were killed in 'the line of duty'

After the incident, the City of Westerville's official tweet read: 'It is with a heavy heart we report a second Westerville officer has been killed in the line of duty. We will share more details here as it becomes available.'

Officer Joering was three times recognized with the Exceptional Duty Award. In 2013 he was recognized for his role in an investigation that led to the arrest of dealers with links to high-level drug traffickers in Mexico.

Joering was a 17-year police veteran and Morelli was a 30-year veteran.

Westerville police said one officer died at the scene and another officer died the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

They did not confirm how many people were shot.

During an emotional press conference, Police Chief Joe Morbitzer said the two slain officers were 'exceptional'.

'The officers gave their lives in defense of others, they are rue American heroes', he said.

'These were two of the best we have, this was their calling.

'They both gave their life for the protection of others and that's what they lived and breathed.'

Westerville police said one officer died at the scene and another officer died at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

One suspect is in custody and reports say they were also shot but their condition was not immediately known.

President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences by saying 'My thoughts and prayers are with the two police officers, their families, and everybody at the @WestervillePD.'

The slain officers were 'true American heroes' said the local police chief