CENTERBURG -- A small community in Knox County is mourning the loss of one of its own, Westerville Police Officer Eric Joering.
At a community vigil in Centerburg Monday night, 100 people showed up to support the Joering family.
When one person is hurting an entire community feels that pain too.
That's just how it works in Centerburg.
"How everybody's just coming together, being so supportive, almost like it's their relative," Heather Larimore said.
You could see just how much people care in Centerburg, by the blue ribbons tied to just about everything on Main Street.
"Eric was one of us, we need to do something," Central Ohio Joint Fire District Chaplain Philip Lohmeyer said.
They're there for fallen officer and beloved community member Eric Joering.
"They're a family you know. Firemen, policemen, they're all family. It's just really hard," Jymme Lanning said.
The heartbreak inside the Central Ohio Joint Fire District firehouse in Centerburg is visible too.
"Our schools are small. Everybody knows everybody. You know my granddaughter cheers with one of his," Lanning said.
Escorted by Westerville Police, Joering's widow and three young daughters walked into a community vigil where more than 100 people could show them love.
"A community like ours grows stronger in times like this," Lohmehyer said.
Neighbors say Centerburg is doing what it knows how to right now.
By offering love and support, this community hopes it can start to heal.