Ohio Senate Approves Memorial Highway for Fallen Cleveland Police Officer

The bill designates a stretch of U.S. Route 322 in Cleveland as the 'Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter Memorial Highway'.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:49pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a lone police car parked on a city street, the vehicle's silhouette casting a long shadow across the pavement as warm sunlight streams in from an angle, capturing a contemplative, melancholic mood.A memorial highway honors the legacy of a fallen Cleveland police officer, underscoring the sacrifices made by law enforcement to protect their communities.Cleveland Today

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would name a portion of U.S. Route 322 (Chester Avenue) in Cleveland as the 'Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter Memorial Highway'. The stretch of road includes the Cleveland Division of Police's Third District headquarters, where the 27-year-old officer served before being fatally shot in the line of duty in 2024.

Why it matters

The memorial highway designation is a way for the state to honor Officer Ritter's legacy and sacrifice, recognizing his service and the tragic circumstances of his death while on duty. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and the need to support officers who risk their lives to protect their communities.

The details

Senate Bill 364, sponsored by Sen. Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville), designates the portion of U.S. Route 322 (Chester Avenue) between E. 40th Street and E. 81st Street in Cleveland as the 'Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter Memorial Highway'. Ritter was fatally shot in July 2024 while responding to a 911 call about a murder suspect. The suspect, De'Lawnte Hardy, was arrested at the scene and faces multiple charges.

  • On July 4, 2024, Officer Jamieson Ritter was fatally shot while responding to a 911 call.
  • In 2024, the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 364 to designate a memorial highway for Officer Ritter.
  • The bill is now being considered by the Ohio House of Representatives.

The players

Jamieson Ritter

A 27-year-old Cleveland police officer who was fatally shot in the line of duty in 2024.

De'Lawnte Hardy

The suspect who allegedly shot and killed Officer Ritter while he was responding to a 911 call in 2024.

Sen. Thomas Patton

The Republican state senator from Strongsville who sponsored the bill to designate a memorial highway for Officer Ritter.

Cleveland Division of Police

The police department where Officer Ritter served, including in the Third District where the memorial highway is located.

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What they’re saying

“Officer Ritter is remembered as a beacon of hope and a symbol of strength by the Cleveland City Police and as a compassionate, fun-loving hero by his family.”

— Sen. Thomas Patton, State Senator

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration after passing the state Senate.

The takeaway

This memorial highway designation is a meaningful way for Ohio to honor the sacrifice of a fallen police officer and recognize the ongoing risks and challenges faced by law enforcement in protecting their communities.