‘Let them know:’ Cleveland’s police chief shares message after officer’s death

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WJW) – As officers that make up the Cleveland Division of Police came together Saturday morning to honor the life of fallen officer Jamieson Ritter, Police Chief Dorothy Todd encouraged the community to ‘thank an officer.”

Todd, who has risen through the ranks of the department over the past 24 years said, the biggest way to help officers through this difficult time is to show support and appreciation for their service.

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“It’s the biggest thing that they forget sometimes is that there is support out there, there are people who do care about them, who want them out there, and that they are really making a difference,” said Todd. “They just need that reminder right now.”

Ritter, 27, was a four-year veteran of the department. He was shot and killed in line of duty on Thursday, July 4, while responding to a man wanted for felonious assault near Wade Park.

Investigators said the suspect, 24-year-old Delawnte Hardy, fled on a bike, pulled out a gun and opened fire. Ritter was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead from his injuries.

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Saturday morning, the department came together to honor their “brother” with a march from the Cleveland Police Headquarters to the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial.

Although the funeral for Ritter, a New York native, will be held out-of-state, the city of Cleveland is planning a memorial service and procession.

The memorial will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 8, at Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, located at 1007 Superior Avenue.

There will be a procession leading to the church. Route details have not yet been released.

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