Brothers in blue from across the metro area are sharing their condolences with the DeKalb County Police Department after an officer died in the line of duty Thursday night.
Police said a DeKalb County officer was conducting a traffic stop off Candler Road when the suspect took off on foot. The officer chased the suspect, but he reportedly pulled out a gun and fired at the officer several times.
EMTs took the officer to the hospital, but he died from his injuries. He had only been with the department for less than two years. A K-9 officer who tracked down the suspect was also shot, and is in critical condition.
Photos: Officer-involved shooting brings massive police presence at Candler Road
After news of his death, departments across the metro - from Gwinnett County to Gilmer County - expressed their sorrow over the loss of another officer.
"All the members of the @KennesawPolice would like to express our sincere condolences to the @DeKalbCountyPD tonight. Saying prayers for the fallen officer, his family/friends and fellow officers."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Dekalb County Police Department," Tweeted the Peachtree City Police Department.
"Our prayers are with the Officers and families of DeKalb County Police Department," Sandy Springs joined.
From Snellville: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the officers, their families, and community."
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office added: "The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office sends our thoughts and prayers to the DeKalb County Police Department. Tonight they are grieving the lose of one of their officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice."
"Our hearts are heavy with the news that a @DeKalbCountyPD officer has died in the line of duty. We offer our sincere condolences and sympathy during this terrible tragedy," Gwinnett County Police - who just suffered the loss of one of their own officers - tweeted.
"Officer down...😢 Prayers for the DeKalb County Poice Dept. #gilmersheriff."
"On behalf of @cobbpolice1, Chief Register sends his sincerest condolences to @DeKalbCountyPD for their fallen officer. Thoughts and prayers for fellow officers, family, and friends," said the Cobb County Police Department.
From the Cobb County Sheriff's Office: "Our Thoughts and Prayers are with @DeKalbCountyPD , the officer’s family, his K9 partner, & friends. And the Lord said: "Who will go for us and who can we send. I raised my hand and said Here I am Lord. Send me". Isaiah 6:8"
Finally, from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation: "Our hearts are with the family, blood & blue, of the DeKalb County Police Officer who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty tonight. We thank you for your service and pray for the DeKalb County Police Department. 🖤💙🖤 #LODD"
During Thursday night's incident, the suspect was shot multiple times by DeKalb County officers returning fire. He later died at the hospital as a result of his injuries.