The Americus community is gathering Friday night to honor two officers who were killed in the line of duty this week.
On Wednesday morning, 25-year-old Nick Smarr and 26-year-old Jody Smith were responding to a domestic dispute at an apartment complex near the Georgia Southwestern State campus when 32-year-old Minquell Kennedy Lembrick opened fire.
Bullets hit both officers, killing Smarr on scene. Smith was transported to a Macon hospital and underwent surgery, but also later died.
Both Smarr and Smith were long-time friends and had been in law enforcement for more than a decade. Smarr worked with the Americus Police Department while Smith was a public safety officer for GSW.
PHOTOS | 2 officers shot in Americus, Ga.
PHOTOS | 1 officer killed, 1 in critical after shooting near GSW State Univ. campus
Condolences for both officers and their families are pouring in, including on social media. The #PrayForAmericus hashtag has since been used by those sharing their thoughts. Across the state, police departments have also been sharing their condolences, and on Friday, Governor Nathan Deal ordered the U.S. and Georgia flags lowered at sunset for in honor of the officers.
In all, eight Georgia officers have died in the line of duty in 2016.
