19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|Breaking News, Weather, ExclusivesTrue Hero: Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter Laid to Rest Saturday

True Hero: Elyria Police Officer James Kerstetter Laid to Rest Saturday

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ELYRIA, OH (WOIO) - Elyria police Officer James Kerstetter who was shot and killed in the line of duty was laid to rest Saturday.

Patrolman Kerstetter was murdered by Ronald Palmer late Monday evening while responding to a disturbance call.

Officer Kerstetter's funeral - which was for family and police officers only - was held Saturday at 10am at the Lorain County Community College Field House.

Officers from all over the United States and Canada were present for the funeral. Constable Kristal Lynch with the Toronto Police Department tells 19 Action News that "We are there to serve and protect, but we want to go home at the end of the day and unfortunately this officer didn't."

Renee Gill from Elyria, Ohio shared her memories Saturday saying "Officer K was a good guy. I used to have a youth center out in Wilkesville and he would always be the one who would pick up a soggy baby's diaper and find out who they belonged to. He used to line dance with us" said Renee Gill of Elyria, Ohio.

Patrolman Kerstetter was 43-year old and had been with the Elyria police force for more than 15 years. He leaves behind a wife, Tammy, and three daughters, 17-year-old Misty, 14-year-old Shelby and 8-year-old and Bailey.

The public flanked the memorial motorcade route to pay their final respects.

The bag-pipes played, the police helicopter flew above, and a final 21 gun salute sent Officer James Kerstetter to his final resting place Saturday.  

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