Memorial procession for fallen officer Monday: What to know
CLEVELAND (WJW) — A Cleveland police officer who was tragically killed on the Fourth of July is being honored Monday, with the public invited to help.
The Cleveland Division of Police is holding a memorial service for Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter Monday at Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist at 1007 Superior Ave. at 10 a.m.
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Leading up to the service is a memorial procession that begins at Chambers Funeral Home on Rocky River Drive at 9:20 a.m. People are welcome to stand along the parade route, joining other officers and families paying their respects.
Take a look at the memorial procession route below (and understand some of the route will be blocked off to through traffic):
Ritter, who was just 27 years old and had been with the department for four years, was part of a team who responded to the area of Wade Park for a report of a wanted man.
The suspect attempted to get away on a bike and pulled out a gun and began firing, police said, which is when Ritter was hit and killed.
Sunday, FOX 8 spoke to those decorating along the procession route. They said they were doing so to make the route more welcoming for Ritter’s grieving family.
“How much we appreciate the sacrifice that Jamieson made for our city,” Mary Jo Graves said. “Not just out city, but for our country. For the little bit that we’re doing, just hanging ribbons, compared to what he did in giving his life for us – no greater love. And we just want to appreciate that and honor that.”
More than a dozen of the volunteers have relatives who work in law enforcement.
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“I can’t even imagine what they’re going through,” Allison Brown said. “You know, their son wanted to come out and protect people and help people. And this is what it unfortunately came down to. My prayers are going out to them, and they have a huge family here to support them through everything.”
Mayor Justin Bibb also said in a statement to Fox 8 that he is heartbroken over the devastating loss of Officer Ritter.
“He was a dedicated public servant and our entire city is mourning this tragic loss,” Bibb said in an emailed statement. “My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Ritter. Please pray for his family and the Cleveland Division of Police as we mourn this senseless loss. We are doing everything we can to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
A funeral for Ritter is being held in New York state, where he grew up.
The suspect Delawnte Hardy, 24, was taken into custody and is charged with aggravated murder.
You can watch the memorial service live Monday on FOX8.com in this story. Find Ritter’s obituary right here.
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