Community mourns officer in special ways

ELYRIA, Ohio - Officer James Kerstetter was killed late Monday night while investigating reports of a man who broke into a home and flashed children. That man, 58-year-old Ronald Palmer, was later killed by Kerstetter’s fellow officers.

Mourners in Elyria have found a unique way of paying tribute and helping the officer’s family at the same time. There has been an outpouring of community support –- food, flowers, and a growing memorial in front of the Elyria Police Department.

X-Treme Tattoos in Elyria has received many phone calls from people interested in honoring the officer with some special artwork. Amy Balog designed a tattoo that looks like an Elyria police badge and all the money from the tattoos will go to the Kerstetter family’s fund.

“Well respected. Nice guy. Father. It’s a job overlooked, underpaid,” X-Treme Tattoos owner Matt Morton said.

Other people have also found a special way to say thanks to the people who protect their community.

Thousands of law enforcement officers are expected to attend officer Kerstetter’s funeral on Saturday, so a group of his friends and community members are collecting cards to say thank you.

People are invited to make or buy a thank you card and write a personal message in it. The cards can be dropped off at the Elyria Chronicle Telegram officer on East Avenue until 3 p.m. Friday.

A fund has been set up at First Merit Bank in the name of James A. Kerstetter. Donations can be made at any First Merit Bank.

The family visitation, which is open to the public, will be Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Lorain County Community College, followed by the burial at Rest Haven Memory Gardens Cemetery in Avon.

Here are other ways people and businesses are showing support:
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/03/17/outpouring-of-support-for-fallen-officer/