Bells to ring in officers' memory

Cleveland area police departments are mourning the death two police officers this week̶ Cleveland Heights police officer Thomas Patton and Elyria patrolman James Kerstetter.

In memory of the two officers, area congregations throughout Northeast Ohio will ring their bells on two occasions for 10 minutes.

At 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, congregations will ring their bells in memory of Cleveland Heights police officer Thomas Patton, who died in the line of duty this past Saturday night. Officer Patton was chasing a suspect on foot when he collapsed.

Officer Patton's funeral is scheduled for this Thursday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Colman Parish in Cleveland. A Facebook page has been created for those who wish to post them comments publicly.

Congregations will again toll their bells for 10 minutes at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning March 20 to coincide with Patrolman Kerstetter’s funeral.

This is an opportunity to remind those who cannot attend the ceremonies that another officer has paid the ultimate price. Officers Patton and Kerstetter touched the hearts of many during their years on the job in Cleveland Heights and Elyria.

The tradition of bell ringing got its start when Jason West, an officer from Cleveland Heights, was shot and killed in May of 2007.

Lita Gonzalez is a community volunteer.

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Volume 3, Issue 3, Posted 11:23 PM, 03.16.2010