16-05-2025
‘They are the heroes': Officers Derbin, Ritter honored at 40th annual law enforcement memorial parade
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Honoring those who sacrificed their lives for our safety was what the day was all about.
Law Enforcement from across Ohio came together to honor fallen heroes during the 40th annual Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Parade and ceremony.
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The milestone event proved to be a powerful and emotional day, honoring law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting their communities. This included Euclid police officer Jacob Derbin and Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, both of whom were killed in the line of duty one year ago.
Hundreds of members of the public lined the parade route to show their support.
The impressive procession in downtown Cleveland highlighted the brotherhood within law enforcement and the unwavering commitment officers have to one another.
'They are the heroes that love their families, their communities and their country,' emcee Tony Rizzo said. 'We embrace those left behind, who continue the painful journey without them.'
'Their lives weren't lost; their lives were taken by criminal action,' Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel said.
Derbin and Ritter were honored on the one-year anniversary of their deaths. Their names have now been added to the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Wall.
It was an emotional day for those who knew the officers, including Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer.
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'The loss of Jacob … I have 29 years with the Euclid Police Department. I was praying and hoping that I would get through my career without having to live that night,' Chief Meyer said. 'And I pray every night for these officers. They're like my children. I care deeply for them. I love them.'
Cleveland Division of Police Deputy Chief Jarod Schlacht said Officer Ritter set a standard to aspire to.
'If we can serve the rest of our lives in a manner that he served for 27 years on this earth, it would be an honor,' Schlacht said.
Law enforcement remains a dangerous and often thankless career, committed to protecting communities from crime and harm. Officers who spoke with FOX 8 said that, at the end of the day, their greatest wish is to return home safely to their families.
'I'm speaking from a place of, not just hurt, but of anger,' Meyer said. 'I'm angry with all of the violence that we're seeing today in our society, particularly in Cuyahoga County. It's absolutely obnoxious and I don't feel like I can stand quiet about it.'
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