Memphis police officer killed while serving drug warrant is mother of four

Memphis police officers were gathering funds Friday for an officer who was fatally shot while serving a drug warrant.

Officer Martovia Lang, a nine-year veteran of the force and her partner exchanged fire Friday morning with a suspect who was also struck.

Police Chief Toney Armstrong said Lang’s partner, William Vromah was listed in stable condition at a local hospital. The condition of the 21-year-old suspect was not immediately known.

Armstrong said a second person who was in the home was in custody, but no charges were immediately filed. Authorities said the shooting was a reminder that police officers put their lives in danger every day they are on duty.

"Through it all, we appreciate deeply, beyond measure – words can't express the sacrifice they make for our city," Memphis Mayor A C Wharton said.

Wharton said the city's flags will be flown at half-staff to honor Lang.

"Kind-hearted person, very friendly, funny person, a great scholar, true encourager," Javauhn Tucker, a childhood friend of Lang told MyFoxMemphis.com.

"She had looked into (being a police officer) as we were growing up as children," Tucker said.

A memorial fund has been set up for Lang's children, ages 14, 13, 12 and 2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.