CLEVELAND — A procession and memorial service was held Monday for 27-year-old Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who was killed in the line of duty last week. 

Hundreds of law enforcement officers and supporters gathered at the Cathedral of St. John in downtown Cleveland. Ritter is described by his coworkers and peers as a humble and kind man who loved his family, friends and the community.

“If there’s one thing I can ask of everyone here today and everyone watching, from not only Cleveland, New York, but around the world, I ask that you please never forget Jamieson Ritter. In his short 27 years on earth, he touched more lives than I could ever imagine,” said Officer Brittany Vajusi, Ritter’s law enforcement partner. 

Vajusi said she often had nightmares of calls that went sideways where she couldn’t save Ritter.

“And although unfortunately and almost sadistically being on July 4, my nightmare came true.,” said Vajusi.

Mourners gather outside the Cathedral of St. John in Cleveland on July 8, 2024 to honor fallen officer Jamieson Ritter, who died in the line of duty on July Fourth. (Spectrum News 1/Kimberly Perez)

According to coworkers of Ritter, he dedicated his life to serving the public.

“His compassion for those in need and his relentless pursuit of justice were evident in every action he took. He was not just an officer, he was a guardian of our community, a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength,” said Chief Dorothy Todd of the Cleveland Police Department.

Ritter, a native of Upstate New York, proudly served in the Army National Guard before working in law enforcement.

“Ritter, thank you for being my friend, and thank you for being the kind of friend I could count on, no matter what. And I hope you knew how truly impactful you were to so many of us. I’m going to miss you. We all are going to miss you,” said Sgt. David Lucero of the Ohio Army National Guard.

Though his life was cut tragically short, Ritter’s friends, family and coworkers said they will never let him be forgotten. 

“He was my best friend, my brother, and the absolute epitome of a police officer. And for all he gave to everyone that he knew and didn’t know, the least we can ever do to give back to him is to remember and to share his legacy forever,” said Vajusi.