A note from Jack Schwab
McQuaid Jesuit ‘15
Jamieson Ritter was killed in the line of duty on July 4, 2024. A day when many who prepared to celebrate our country, instead began to mourn his loss. The significance of the Fourth of July, however, was not lost on those that truly knew Jamieson.
Jamieson was a patriot. Quick to defend his family, friends, and community. He was destined for a mission that was larger than himself.
Jamieson knew from a young age that he would be fulfilled in serving a purpose he believed in. He also knew that our freedoms weren’t free. Hailing from a military and police family, Jamieson understood that a few brave citizens bear this cost in every community so that the remainder might prosper and thrive. This role of “protector” is a thankless one, and Jamieson participated emphatically.
Jamieson grew up in Webster, NY, surrounded by many friends and a large family. He played sports and was an avid hunter. Jamieson attended McQuaid Jesuit for middle and high school, joining the swim team and racking up Jugs (Justice Under God). In his free time he enjoyed reading, attending concerts, playing games, tossing a frisbee, exploring new places, and caring for his pets. He had a keen interest in history and politics. He excelled in military history, government and law, and philosophy classes alike. Jamieson was an intellectual, never shying away from a debate or discussion, yet he could sympathize with all points of view (even when he did not agree).
Quick witted, well spoken and charming, Jamieson got out of trouble just as easily as he started it.
No one could stay mad at Jamieson.
Upon graduating McQuaid Jesuit in 2015, Jamieson attended Syracuse University. There he participated in their renowned Army ROTC program. Jamieson was a huge ‘Cuse fan and followed D1 sports closely. He enjoyed fraternity life, where he made many lifelong friends. Jamieson hosted many college visitors and frequented “DJ’s on the Hill,” where he was a ‘VIP’.
In 2019, Jamieson graduated with a degree in communication and rhetorical studies, and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
Jamieson joined the Cleveland Division of Police in November, 2020. He immediately became a leader. He was known by his fellow officers as confident, respected and effective, yet he was also known to visit with the community, attending barbecues or family gatherings in some of Cleveland’s most difficult neighborhoods. He served with a clear desire to better the Cleveland community.
As a member of the Army National Guard, he deployed to Syria in 2022. While deployed, Jamieson kept in touch with many back home. He always had an interesting story about being on patrol, locals, cuisine or the country itself.
He returned to Cleveland in 2023 and was excited to return to work with his partner, Brittany. Jamieson and Brittany were jointly named officers of the month in May, 2024, for heroism in multiple life threatening situations.
It is safe to say that Jamieson died doing what he was destined to do, on the most patriotic day in American history.
Rest in peace friend, brother, son, uncle, soldier, officer, patriot, mentor, Man –
Jamieson R. Ritter