Main photo courtesy of Cleveland Police Department

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Hearts are heavy in northeast Ohio as people mourn the loss of Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz.

What You Need To Know

  • People across Cleveland are mourning the loss of Detective Skernivitz

  • In his hometown of Brecksville, American flags line the street and blue ribbons circle light posts everywhere in his honor

  • Community members are paying their respects with flowers and thank-you balloons at the site where Detective Skernivitz was fatally shot Thursday night

  • Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams asks for the community's prayers

At the site where Detective Skernivitz was fatally shot Thursday night, flowers, thank you-balloons, and even a rubber duck are left to honor the detective’s service.

“I’m on my way home so I figured I’d come and pay my respects and say a prayer and leave my little lucky duck here. You know, it’s just so sad," said Doreen, a Cleveland resident.

Doreen lives on the west side of Cleveland, about two streets over from the crime scene — so close to her home, she said she had to stop by and pay her respects.

“To the families, oh my God, my heart is absolutely broken. I came here and I myself got all choked up as if I knew them,” said Doreen. “We truly need more policemen around here, but not to be killed. They’re just out here trying to help,” she added.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams teared up as he paid tribute to the detective in Friday’s virtual City Hall press conference addressing the shooting.

“Jimmy was a great police officer. He was what we call a policeman's policeman. He worked hard for the city that he loved, he worked hard to take care of his family, and he worked hard to take care of his fellow officers. Skern, as a lot of folks out there called him, again, he was the one that we want to duplicate over and over again because he did the work the way it should have been done,” said Chief Williams.

President of Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association Jeff Follmer gave his condolences.

“It’s a sad day, it’s a hard day for everybody and people just try to get through it, you have a lot of officers still out there working out there.” said Follmer. “He was a great guy, he was a family man and a great policeman and made everyone smile and laugh and he was just an awesome man,” he added.

A heartbroken community and police department are asking for your prayers.

“For the residents and and the people out there, keep sending us your prayers. We appreciate it. Thank you,” said Chief Williams.