Community marks 11 years without Sgt. James Kerstetter

ELYRIA — Family, friends and coworkers marked the 11th year of Sgt. James Kerstetter's death in a quiet ceremony Monday. Officers laid a wreath by Kerstetter's memorial outside the Elyria police station. He was killed in the line of duty at age 43 on March 15, 2010. He was responding to a disturbance on 18th Street in Elyria. A neighbor had reported that Ronald Palmer exposed himself to a child and kicked in her window. After entering Palmer's house, Kerstetter exchanged gunfire with the man, but was shot multiple times and later pronounced dead at a hospital. Other officers shot and killed Palmer after a confrontation after he came out of the house. Shelby Kerstetter, one of James Kerstetter's three daughters, said she realized Sunday what day it was, and she couldn't believe another year had come up so fast. Last year's ceremony was small due to COVID-19, and this year wasn't any different. But people still made sure to drop by and show support to the family gathered outside the police station. "It feels like yesterday still," she said. "… I'm glad that we were able to at least do something. It's not the normal little ceremony, but there was way more people than I thought would be. There's still people that come out and support my family. And it's been very reassuring to us over the last 11 years to see the support that we get from the community as well." Police Chief Duane Whitely echoed Shelby Kerstetter's thoughts. He said it's hard to believe that it's been 11 years since James Kerstetter lost his life. "In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday," he said. "There's a bond that you get when that happens. I don't think that will ever leave. And we have a certain bond with the family. They are wonderful people." Whitely said it's important to the department to keep the day sacred and keep the tradition going. Many people in the Police Department, especially the newer ones, never met James Kerstetter. Whitely estimated that about 50 to 65 percent of current EPD officers weren't working there when Kerstetter died. But Whitely said he wants to make sure they never forget what Kerstetter did. He said it's a somber day for the entire department and the family, and it's something he'll never forget. Kerstetter could smooth talk anybody, Whitely said, and calm them down. Unfortunately, Whitely said Kerstetter didn't get a chance to do that on March 15, 2010. Known as "Jimmy" to friends, coworkers and family — he also earned the nickname "Sponge" from coworkers for soaking up extra shifts at work — Kerstetter was posthumously promoted to sergeant. Shelby Kerstetter said her dad was the jokester, and he always was doing his best to make people laugh. "He was the comedic relief in our family and we definitely miss his personality a lot," she said. Contact Laina Yost at (440) 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com.