Update #4: Thank you to everyone who has donated. We continue to receive donations and appreciate the support. This GoFundMe page will stop accepting donations on Friday, February 23 so that we begin the process of getting your collected generosity to the families. The page will still be up for some time, but donations will not be accepted. If you are working on a fundraiser that will go past Friday, donations can still be mailed in to the FOP. Email us and we can get you the information.



Thank you again for your support. This campaign started with a goal of $50,000 and we are nearing $575,000 as we provide this update. It's been incredible to watch the donations come in, to read the comments and to see two families well-cared-for.



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Update #3: Today we lay to rest the Westerville fallen heroes. The community has been incredibly supportive and we've raised over $500,000 when our original goal was $50,000. We will leave the campaign goal at $500,000, but it will remain open until early next week and you can continue to donate over and above that amount. Please know that everyone who donated, whether it was a nickel or thousands of dollars, helped during the most difficult time a family could ever have. For that we thank you.



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Update #2: If you click the updates section just above here, we have shared a statement from the family and photos which they authorized us to share. We ask for your continued support and prayers for these two families.



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Update: Thank you to an absolutely incredible community of supporters! We've far surpassed our original goal of $50,000 and have extended the campaign goal to $500,000. 100% of the proceeds will go to help the families of the fallen officers, including young daughters who will need help with education expenses.



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Central Ohio tragically lost two officers, both from Westerville, in the line of duty. They were Officer Eric Joering who was a 17-year-veteran, and Anthony Morelli, a 30-year veteran.



Westerville Police Chief Joseph Morbitzer said, "“These were two of the best we had, this was their calling and they did it right, they knew how to do policing the right way, both of them.”



Knowing that the families of the fallen will need our help and support in coming weeks and wanting those who wish to offer their support a legitimate outlet, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 has created this page.



I'm Matt Dole, a communications coordinator with FOP Lodge #9 in Columbus, Ohio(that's why you see my name when you make a donation). I'm working with the President of FOP Lodge #9 Jason Pappas on this project. Officers from Westerville are members of FOP Lodge #9. These fallen heroes are our brothers.



Your secure donation will go to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 and will be provided to the families in the following ways:



1. Unpaid medical bills

2. Funeral expenses

3. Housing for out of town relatives for the funeral

4. Educational resources for children



Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time.

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