New award honors 2 local officers killed in the line of duty

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Several community leaders spent part of  Monday honoring and remembering two heroes, Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin and Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter.

Derbin was killed in the line of duty in May, and Ritter was killed in the line of duty in July.

“Everything he did, he did because he was Jacob,” said Dawn Derbin, Jacob’s mother.

Karen Ritter, Jamieson’s mother, told the Fox 8 I-Team her son loved life, and loved people.

Both officers were honored during the Values In Action Foundation Celebration of Goodness Event held Monday.

During the ceremony, officials announced that a new award will now be given each year. The award will be called the Kindland “Ritter Way” Award, which will honor both officers.

“I love that about this award,” said Dawn Derbin. “Because  Jacob did so much for the community. I want everyone to  remember everything about him. He was an amazing, genuine, and kind person.”

Ritter’s mother and father say their son became a police officer because he wanted to help improve the lives of others. They also said he never wanted any awards for his actions.

“He was basically just doing his job,” Jon Ritter said. “He was just being a very kind hearted person and that was just the way he was.”

Euclid Police Chief Scott Meyer and Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd say both officers were extremely passionate about serving their communities.

“They stepped up at a time when very few people will step up to be police officers,” Meyer said.  “I believe we should honor them for the ultimate sacrifice that they made.”

Ritter’s family members say besides being brave and caring, he always tried to make others smile. They said he would often wear colorful socks with suits. So on Monday, they carried on his tradition.

Both families vowed that the officers will never be forgotten.

“It is  our hope and our desires that they are loved by their community,” said Karen Ritter. “Just as much as they loved their communities. They sacrificed their lives.”