One of the core pillars of the mission of the Cleveland Police Foundation (CPF) is supporting Cleveland Police Officers through health & wellness initiatives, officer recognition, financial assistance through the Heroes Fund, and funding support of sanctioned programs and projects.
The Heroes Fund provides financial support to the families of officers killed in the line of duty, as well as officers facing duty-related health issues and injuries. This donor-supported fund gives the community an opportunity to stand with and behind police officers and their families, especially in the case of fallen officers such as the recent deaths of Officers Bartek and Ritter. Following the death of Officer Jamieson Ritter in July 2024, CPF supported his family with a modest donation and assisted with events held in his honor.
Another way CPF supports our heroes is by providing financial assistance for important programs and projects. One example is the annual Police Unity Tour bike journey. This May, CPF assisted Team Greater Cleveland with financial support and equipment for the four-day, 300-mile ride honoring fallen officers. With blessings from CPD Chaplain Father Brown, the Team joined nearly 700 Chapter 1 riders and another 1,700 participants from across American and Israel and arrived at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC on May 12, 2026.
During the final leg of the journey, participants gathered for the last three miles into the Memorial as one united Police Unity Tour. CPD Sergeant Thomas Ross served as captain of Team Greater Cleveland and reflected on the experience. “Our Team was among 2,500 officers and survivors who rode into that hallowed ground. It is both a privilege and every living cop’s responsibility to honor those 24,775 names and their families. ‘We ride for those who died’ isn’t a slogan – it’s a mission, and one we will continue. Failure to do so is dishonoring their sacrifice, and that simply isn’t an option.”
Officer Ritter’s name was added to the Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., this year.
CPF invites you to support our Heroes by donating online, or by mailing a check to:
Cleveland Police Foundation
Heroes Fund
2301 Payne Avenue, Suite 201
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
For more information, please contact us via email.
Support our officers in helping others in need; go to www.clevelandpolicefoundation.org/donate.