A solemn and loud tribute to fallen officers across Ohio was held Sunday in Cleveland at the 16th annual Cops Ride and fundraiser. “The purpose of the ride is to show support for law enforcement, but mostly for the families. We call them survivors,” said John Kikol, president of Cops Ride.
Over 400 motorcycle riders gathered at the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial for a ceremony that included bagpipes and an Honor Guard. “Our motto is to keep a promise to never forget, and this lets the families and survivors know that their loved ones aren’t forgotten,” said Joe Mannion, president of the Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Society.
The nonprofit organization offers support to the families and friends of the fallen officers. Five officers who died in the line of duty from 2023-2024 were honored Sunday, including two from Northeast Ohio.
Euclid Police Officer Jacob Derbin was shot while responding to a disturbance call on May 11. His mother was in attendance and moved to tears during the playing of Taps.
“She said, ‘I’m never going to be over it, but I’m going to get to a new normal one day and that’s what I pray and hope for every one of us,’” said Euclid Police Capt. Mitch Houser. “A new normal where we can get to a better place here on earth just as I know and believe Jacob is in a better place in heaven.”
A procession of motorcycles rode past the Euclid Police Department and Cleveland Police Department’s Third District in memory of Officer Jamieson Ritter, who was shot by a violent fugitive while trying to serve a warrant on July 4.
“Jamieson Ritter was an exceptional police officer but more importantly he was an even better human being. He was courageous and he was brave,” said Third District Commander Robert Tucker.
After the procession, the motorcyclists rode to South East Harley Davidson, the Cops Ride host dealership, for food and entertainment.
Organizers expressed gratitude for the community’s support in helping them keep the promise to “never forget.” They also asked the public to always remember that these brave officers sacrificed their lives for our safety.
“I like to remind people that law enforcement lives are not lost. You lose your keys, they are taken by criminal action,” said Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel. “We have to support them and their families.”
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