Senate Passes Patton Bill Honoring Police Officer Jamieson Ritter With Memorial Highway

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 364, sponsored by State Senator Thomas Patton (R-Strongsville), legislation which designates a portion of U.S. Route 322 between E. 40th Street and E. 81st Street in Cleveland as "Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter Memorial Highway."

On July 4, 2024, Officer Jamieson Ritter responded to a 911 call from the family of Beatrice Porter, who had been fatally shot by her grandson, Delawnte Hardy. The family was attempting to turn him in. When Officer Ritter arrived at the scene, Delawnte Hardy attempted to escape on a bicycle, firing four shots as he fled. One shot hit Officer Ritter, fatally wounding him. He was 27 years old.

"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,” said Senator Patton. “His family and I believe designating this portion of US-322 is a fitting tribute to Jamieson's life."

Senate Bill 364 now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.  

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