Community grieves loss of Elyria police officer

ELYRIA, Ohio - The community is grieving and police are trying to pick up the pieces.

“You can’t train for something like this,” Elyria Police Chief Duane Whitely said. "There’s nothing you can do to get ready for something like this.”

A visibly shaken police chief made his first statements about James Kerstetter: a fallen hero, brother and friend.

“If one of the guys was in a bad mood, he’d make one statement and make you feel better,” Chief Whitely added.

The 15-year veteran officer was a member of the SWAT team and described as one of the best on the force.

The flag was lowered to half staff early in the morning. People left flowers and cards near the police department doors.

“It’s not something easy to deal with,” said friend Ashley Bailey. “I know he had a little girl -- a little older than mine. It’s hard.”

Police are still gathering information about 58-year-old Ronald Palmer -- the man police say shot Kerstetter in cold blood. 

George Price went to school with Palmer. He said Palmer always kept to himself.

“He’s quiet,” Price explained. “He didn’t bother anybody. He worked with my wife at the Ford plant.”

Police are still piecing this puzzle together.