CLEVELAND (WJW) – Hundreds gathered downtown Cleveland Monday morning for a memorial service to honor fallen Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter.
“Our division has a debt of gratitude for him,” said Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz, Cleveland police public information officer. “He showed us what an officer should be.”
Ritter, 27, was shot and killed just before 1 a.m. Thursday. The shooting happened after Ritter and other officers went to arrest a man wanted for felonious assault.
Investigators say the suspect, 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy, fled on a bike, pulled out a gun and opened fire. Ritter was rushed to the hospital and died a short time later from his injuries.
“I ask that you never forget Jamieson Ritter,” said officer Brittany Vajusi, Ritter’s partner. “In his short 27 years, he has touched more lives than I can ever imagine.”
Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek said he and other city leaders are heartbroken over Ritter’s tragic death.
“Very tragic,” Polensek said.
Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said Ritter worked for the department for four years.
“Jamieson was a dedicated public servant, a loving family member, a cherished friend,” Todd said during the memorial service. “He served our community with unwavering commitment and courage.”
Those who knew Ritter best say he loved serving the community and the nation. He also served in the Army National Guard.
“Jamieson is one of those that brings energy and heart to everything he does,” said Captain Bryan McCoy, who served with Ritter.
Law enforcement officers from all over the state and country attended the memorial service. The sea of blue included Euclid police officers. Euclid police recently lost one of their own. On May 11, Euclid Officer Jacob Derbin was shot and killed when responding to a domestic call.
“It’s absolutely devastating that here we are again with another hero that lost his life serving his community,” said Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer. “We’ve lost another hero.”
