Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter and Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin, both killed in the line of duty in 2024, will be honored in a special tribute.
Law enforcement, families, and community members have come together in Cleveland for Police Memorial Week to pay tribute to the fallen officers and their dedicated service.
The annual Badge Case Ceremony at police headquarters by the Cleveland Division of Police on Thursday, May 15, will include the enshrinement of the fallen officers’ badges in the department’s monument as a way to remember and honor their sacrifice.
The ceremony is part of a full week of events organized by the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society, which has been leading Police Memorial Week tributes across the region.
“As Deputy Chief, I am deeply honored to commemorate Cleveland Police Memorial Week by paying tribute to our fallen officers, whose selfless sacrifices in the line of duty will forever be etched in our hearts and history,” said Deputy Chief Jarod Schlacht of the Cleveland Division of Police. “Their courage and dedication continue to inspire our commitment to serve and protect. We also extend our profound gratitude and support to the surviving families of our fallen heroes, whose strength and resilience honor their loved ones’ legacy. Together, we stand united in remembrance, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten as we strive for a safer Cleveland.”
In addition, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Ohio from sunrise until sunset on May 14.
The commemorations culminate on Friday, May 16, with the annual parade and memorial service at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial on Lakeside Avenue. The parade will step-off from East 12th Street, between Lakeside Avenue and Superior Avenue, at 10:30 a.m.
The parade will include uniformed officers from across Northeast Ohio, along with honor guards, mounted units and bagpipers.
There will be a parking ban implemented from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday for the following streets:
- East 12th Street from Lakeside Avenue to Superior Avenue (east and west)
- Ontario Street from Superior Avenue to Lakeside Avenue (east and west)
- Lakeside Avenue from East 13th Street to West 3rd Street (north and south)
- West 3rd Street between Lakeside Avenue and Summit Avenue (east and west)
“All vehicles are prohibited from parking in the above areas during these hours. All violators will be ticketed and towed,” said the city of Cleveland in a statement.
This year, Northeast Ohioans will honor former Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter and former Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin, both of whom were killed in the line of duty in 2024.
A special tribute performance will replace the usual Cleveland International Tattoo at CPPA Hall, featuring performances by the Gates Keystone Club Pipe & Drums and Murphy’s Irish Dancers to honor Ritter and Derbin.
The full event schedule can be found HERE.
