Monroe County announces plans to honor fallen officer Jamieson Ritter by renaming a beloved community landmark in his memory

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is set to pay tribute to a local hero by renaming a beloved community landmark in his honor. County Executive Adam Bello announced that Lakefront Lodge in Webster Park will now bear the name of Officer Jamieson Ritter, a dedicated public servant who lost his life in the line of duty on July 4, 2024, while serving as a police officer in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Monroe County Legislature unanimously approved the measure during its March meeting, ensuring that Officer Ritter’s sacrifice and legacy will be forever remembered by the community he loved. The newly named “Jamieson Ritter Memorial Lodge” will serve as a lasting symbol of his dedication, bravery, and unwavering commitment to protecting others.

“Jamieson Ritter’s heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty will be remembered by the people he served and by the residents of Monroe County,” said County Executive Bello. “Renaming this lodge in Jamieson’s honor is a tribute to the selflessness he exhibited when serving his community and our nation. I hope that people will take time to learn about Jamieson’s story and the sacrifice he made after visiting this newly renamed lodge in Webster Park.”

A Life of Service and Dedication

Officer Ritter was a native of Webster, NY, and a proud 2015 graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School. From a young age, he was drawn to a life of service, following in the footsteps of his father, who served with the Greece Police Department. After graduating from Syracuse University in 2019, Ritter was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and later joined the Ohio Army National Guard. In 2022, he was deployed to Syria, demonstrating his dedication to his country before returning home to continue his career in law enforcement.

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His family expressed deep gratitude for the community’s recognition of his sacrifice. “We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Adam Bello and the Monroe County Legislature for honoring Jamieson by renaming the lodge after him. It is a profound honor that Jamieson’s ultimate sacrifice is being recognized and remembered by his hometown community. Jamieson was moving home to continue his service to the citizens of Monroe County and was excited to serve and protect the community he loved,” said the Ritter family.

The family also reflected on the overwhelming support they have received since his passing. “We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support given to our family through this tragedy. Jamieson’s story is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service and his deep love for his community. We hope his legacy will inspire and encourage others to serve their community, as our family has done for generations through military service, law enforcement, and community service. The community’s recognition and remembrance of Jamieson’s sacrifice means the world to us and we are touched by the collective support.”

A Lasting Tribute

Community leaders emphasized the importance of honoring Officer Ritter’s legacy. Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Román praised the decision, stating, “Renaming the Lakefront Lodge after Officer Jamieson Ritter is a fitting tribute to a man and hero who dedicated his life to service, courage, and community. Officer Ritter’s legacy of bravery and sacrifice deserves a place in our community where families and neighbors can gather and learn his story to remind us all of the meaning of service and heroism.”

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Majority Leader Michael Yudelson also recognized the significance of this tribute. “I am incredibly honored to be a part of renaming the Lakefront Lodge in Webster Park to the Jamieson Ritter Memorial Lodge. Mr. Ritter was tragically killed in the line of duty in 2024, and deserves this remembrance in our community. May his legacy of serving this nation and his community with protection and honor continue for years to come.”

Republican Leader Steve Brew echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the lasting impact of Officer Ritter’s service. “Officer Jamieson Ritter dedicated his life to serving and protecting others, embodying the very best of law enforcement and our community. His bravery and sacrifice must never be forgotten, and renaming Lakefront Lodge in his honor ensures that future generations will remember and be inspired by his legacy. This is a fitting tribute to a true hero.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially commemorate the renaming of the lodge will take place in May 2025. This event will bring together Ritter’s family, local officials, law enforcement, and community members to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who gave everything in the service of others.

As Monroe County honors Officer Jamieson Ritter, his story will continue to inspire future generations, reminding them of the true meaning of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to community service.