Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Jim, may God and St. Michael continue to watch over you in Heaven and your wife and daughters here on Earth. You are truly missed. You will never be forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 15, 2024

NEVER FORGET! Please join me and honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 74 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 15, 2024

Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 11, 2024

Jim, your sacrifice is not forgotten. We all miss you every day. May God and St. Michael continue to watch over you and your family.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

March 15, 2023

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 73 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 15, 2023

May God and St. Michael watch over you in Heaven, Jim. Continue to watch over Tammy and your girls. Rest in peace, my friend.

Kenneth Collins
Lorain County Community College Campus Security Department

March 15, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 70 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 15, 2022

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 15, 2021

Jim,

We miss you and hope God and St. Michael are watching over you, your family, and your fellow officers.

God bless you.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins

March 15, 2021

Rest in eternal peace on this your 10 anniversary in heaven

Mark Mottola

March 15, 2020

Rest in peace Sergeant Kerstetter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 24, 2019

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 66 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 15, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

October 4, 2018

NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Sergeant James Anthony Kerstetter of the Elyria Police Department, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

March 15, 2018

Again, thank you for your service to your community. Rest well my brother for you are a true hero. May God continue to give strength to your loving family and co-workers, and keep them safe from harm always.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
NYPD (retired)

March 15, 2018

Thank you for your service my brother. May you rest in peace, watch over your loving family and fellow officers.

Lt. Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

March 15, 2017

THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES BOTH BLOOD AND BLUE.

OFC. MATTHEW S. DUNN (RET)
FATHER OF FALLEN OFC. ANDREW S. DUNN E.O.W. 3-19-2011

OFC. Matthew S. Dunn (RET)
SANDUSKY P.D. (OH)

March 14, 2017

Thinking of you Sponge! Miss you can't believe that your gone,rest easy and say hey to Dyke. You were truly one of a kind!!!

Robert Kois
Former patrolman Lagrange P.D. Ohio

February 14, 2017

Rest in paradise Uncle Jimmy, I'll love you forever.

Mariah Clevenger
Niece

May 10, 2016

THINKING ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. REMEMBER THE TRAGEDY WELL. HIT VERY CLOSE TO HOME WITH US IN SANDUSKY, JUST 1/2 HOUR AWAY. LITTLE DID WE KNOW WE WOULD EXPERIENCE OUR OWN LOSS JUST 1 YEAR AND 4 DAYS LATER. WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY AND OFFICERS STILL ON THE JOB IN ELYRIA.

OFC. MATTHEW S. DUNN (RETIRED) AND FATHER OF FALLEN OFFICER ANDREW S. DUNN E.O.W 3-19-2011

OFC. MATTHEW S. DUNN (RETIRED)
SANDUSKY P.D. (OH)

March 14, 2016

Never knew you sir, but your story lives on in the police academies across Ohio. Your fellow officers at EPD have such great respect for you and I am honored to get to know you from stories your colleagues have told me. Rest in peace

Police Cadet Kevin Huff
Polaris Ranger Academy

December 20, 2014

Four years have passed, Sponge. I pledge to continue honoring you for the rest of my days. God took you as part of His plan, but only He knows why. Please watch over us.

This we'll defend.

Sergeant Michael B. Smith
Columbus, Ohio Division of Police

March 15, 2014

I have a project to memorialize you. The officers down at Elyria PD miss you very much and have nothing but great things to say about you. Thank you for your service.

Rest in peace.

Brooks Williams, Student

November 17, 2013

Jim was one of my favorite people he was like a 2nd dad. I loved him very much and he is missed everyday.

Nathan Keith
Friend

August 5, 2013

Recently reconnected with a mutual friend and was greatly saddened to learn of your passing. I pray the Lord will bless and comfort your family and friends. RIP old friend.

Brad Meadows
Friend

June 11, 2013