CLEVELAND — The body of fallen Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, who died in the line of duty last week, has returned to his hometown of Webster, New York.
Numerous police agencies in Upstate New York helped escort Ritter's body to Falvo Funeral Home in Webster Tuesday afternoon. The Cleveland Division of Police also took part in the proceedings.
The 27-year-old Ritter was shot and killed on Thursday, July 4, while serving an arrest warrant to De'Lawnte Hardy. Hardy has since been charged with aggravated murder.
ESCORT DETAILS
New York State Police and law enforcement agencies from Monroe County as well as Cleveland escorted Ritter's from NYS Thruway Exit 47. The escort traveled along I-390 north, to I-590 north, to state Route 104 east, and then took the exit for state Route 250. From there, the escort traveled south on state Route 250 to Falvo Funeral Home, which is located at 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road in Webster.
FUNERAL DETAILS
Days after the Cleveland community mourned Ritter at a memorial service, Ritter's funeral was held Saturday morning in his hometown of Rochester, New York.
Kelly Smith, a Cleveland police sergeant who trained Ritter as an academy instructor, eulogized Ritter as an outstanding recruit and dedicated leader who went out of his way to help his classmates. Smith said he transitioned naturally into his role as an officer and said he "never came to work in a bad mood."
"Jamieson possessed one of the most important qualities a person can have: humility," Smith said. "He was a great officer because he was a great person. He did not do this job because he wanted recognition. It was his calling, and going above and beyond was his normal."
Ritter was also remembered with speeches and tributes by his best friend, his three siblings and his mother.
According to Ritter's obituary, a private burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.
A wake for Ritter was held on Friday, July 12, from 4-8 p.m. at Falvo Funeral Home.
You can watch the funeral service in the video player below.
RITTER FAMILY STATEMENT
On the eve of the funeral, the Ritter family released the following statement through the New York State Police:
"We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beloved family member who was tragically killed in the line of duty. As a Cleveland police officer and a leader in the Ohio National Guard, he selflessly served his nation, his state and his community with unwavering commitment and bravery. His courage and dedication to protecting others were the driving force in his life that has been tragically cut short.
"We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support from the Cleveland and Rochester communities during this difficult time. It is a testament to the impact that Jamieson had on those around him and the legacy he leaves behind.
"We kindly ask for privacy as our family collectively mourns his loss during this period of profound grief. We will remember him, and all those who have given their lives in defense of the nation and protection of our communities. While the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant, the Cleveland Police Department mourns the loss of a friend and colleague, the Ohio National Guard mourns the loss of a brother in arms, New York State mourns the loss of a native son – our family mourns the unfathomable loss of a son, a brother, a nephew, uncle and a cousin. We will forever remember him as a hero who gave his life in the line of duty."
REMEMBERING A HERO
Hundreds of law enforcement officers, friends, and family members of Ritter gathered on Monday morning for a memorial service at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland. During the service, Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd spoke at the memorial, remembering Ritter as "a true American Hero."
"Jamieson was a dedicated public servant, a loving family member, a cherished friend. He served our community with unwavering commitment and courage, embodying the highest ideals of law enforcement," said Chief Todd during the service.
Ritter died on Thursday, July 4, after being shot in Cleveland's Hough neighborhood. Authorities say he and other officers were seeking Hardy as a suspect wanted for felonious assault.
"Officers arrived on scene and attempted to make contact with the male," Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd told reporters hours after the incident. "The male did exit the house and tried to leave the area on a bicycle. Officers attempted to arrest the male when the male produced a firearm and began firing multiple times."
Hardy now faces a charge of aggravated murder and is being held in the Cuyahoga County Jail on a $5 million bond.
In addition, Hardy is also suspected of fatally shooting his grandmother last month in Garfield Heights. 3News learned Monday that 63-year-old Beatrice Porter died from injuries she sustained in a June 29 shooting.