Many good lives lost this week

I honestly can not recall a week where so many members of the safety forces were killed or passed away.

Well, I take that back. During the war in Iraq (we are right around the anniversary of the start of the war), various local units from Northeast Ohio have lost many lives at a time.

This week was different.

If I had to use one word to describe the last week = exhausting.

Mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting.

Last weekend Officer Thomas Patton died while doing what he loved most --protecting and serving his community. Patton began chasing an alleged suspect, Malcolm Bryant, when he collapsed and died. Officer Patton comes from a family filled with police officers, members of the safety forces, and the son of State Senator Tom Patton.

Officer Patton leaves behind his fiancee, small daughter, and so many other family members, friends, and admirers who thought of him as a true hero.


Then late Monday night, while responding to a neighborhood disturbance, veteran Elyria Patrolman James Kerstetter was gunned down by 58-year-old Ronald Palmer.

Kerstetter was able to get onto the police radio and broadcast that he had been shot. When officers arrived, they confronted the suspect outside threatening, and in turn, fired back at the man.

Another Officer's life lost tragically.

Officer Kerstetter leaves behind an entire city who adored him, his wife and three daughters.

The police brotherhood and sisterhood lose 2 of their own in only a few days.


But the violence does not end there.


24-year-old Jacob Courie came home to Akron on leave from the war when he was gunned down during an argument. Courie survived daily combat but died in his hometown.


And Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Gilbert II of Richfield, Ohio was injured in Afghanistan during an ambush on March 8, 2010. Unfortunately, Sgt Gilbert died from his injuries on March 16, 2010.

Sgt Gilbert was on his fifth tour of duty. His father is a Richfield Police Officer.



All of these men are true heroes who died too young and senselessly. My heart and prayers go out to their families and friends. There are no words to adequately comfort, describe, or explain why?


I just know we have to keep their dreams, their hopes, their spirits alive and never forget them.