Who was Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter?

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter , killed in the line of duty in the early hours of July 4, was a four-year veteran of the police department, authorities said Thursday.

Ritter, whose identity police revealed Thursday afternoon, was honored a little more than a week ago for his life-saving work, according to the Cleveland Police Foundation.

Ritter hailed from Webster, New York, and graduated in 2015 from McQuaid Jesuit High School, according to a news release from city police. He earned a degree from Syracuse University in 2019 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.

He served the Guard with the 134th Field Artillery Regiment, before joining Cleveland police in November 2020. He and his unit deployed to Syria in 2022, according to the release. He then came back to the city police force in 2023.

Family members told Cleveland police that Ritter, from an early age, “possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community,” reads the release.

Mere months after his return to the Cleveland police roster, Ritter and another officer were commended for their “compassion and dedication” earlier this year when death was on the line, according to the Cleveland Police Foundation .

Following a shooting in May, Ritter and fellow officer Brittany Vajusi gave first aid to a man with multiple gunshot wounds at East 55th Street and McBride Avenue, removing his clothing, applying bandages and chest seals and giving him encouragement to keep him alive, according to their nomination.

“As if this wasn’t enough, they were also inquiring for information about who had shot him. Their inquiries ultimately led to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The officers literally conducted the investigation at the same time they were saving the victim’s life,” reads their nomination for the Officer of the Month award by Third District Sgt. Eric Newton. “Patrol Officer Ritter stayed with the victim all the way until he was inside the EMS wagon. I do not believe the victim would have survived had it not been for Patrol Officer Vajusi and Ritter’s dedication to saving lives.”

The pair and other officers on April 20 rescued a man who had jumped into the Cuyahoga River. Ritter and Vajusi gave him first aid and warmed him up to prevent hypothermia, before he was transported to a hospital, according to the nomination.

They also gave a Feb. 2 shooting victim “a chance at survival,” performing CPR and tending to the gunshot wound on his chest, Newton wrote. They found the man unconscious in an East 69th Street driveway. He wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. He died soon after their arrival, according to the nomination.

In naming Ritter and Vajusi each Officer of the Month for May, foundation spokesperson Bob Guttu commended them for their “compassion and dedication.”

Ritter was shot and killed just before 1 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, near Wade Park while responding to a report of a man who was wanted on a felonious assault charge.

The 24-year-old suspect fled, then pulled a gun and opened fire. He was arrested and now stands charged with aggravated murder.

“Today is a sad day for our city,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd is quoted in the release. “Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that tries to impose on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we take in the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter gave, and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts.”

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