WADSWORTH, Ohio — The Rittman community came together to say a final farewell to Sergeant Scott Ries at a service held at Northside Christian Church, where public officials and clergy honored the life of a man they say put family and community first.
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"We come together to not only mourn a profound loss, but to celebrate a life defined by courage, integrity and selfless service," said former Rittman police chief Mike Burg.
Mourners spoke of the officer's love of fishing and hunting, his passion for teaching and coaching, and time spent with his family. They told stories of his life, and his marriage to his wife Michelle, and being there for his daughters as a "girl dad." And they recounted the career of an officer who strived to do more for his community and the department. He was described as a protector, dedicated, courageous and supportive.
Rittman dispatch honored Sgt. Scott Ries with a final call during his funeral service.
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Following the funeral, a procession traveled to Rittman Cemetery, passing the police station along the way.
News 5's Nadeen Abusada has more.
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Officials are limiting the gravesite service to family and local law enforcement.
Ries served in law enforcement for nearly three decades. He joined the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in 1996 and later moved to the Rittman Police Department in 2015. Ries leaves behind his wife of 29 years and their two daughters.
News 5's Katie Ussin was at the funeral Friday, where a community came together to lay the fallen hero to rest.
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Friends say they will remember him for the way he lived and want the community to never forget his decades of service.
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RELATED: Friend and fellow officer honors Sgt. Scott Ries with t-shirt fundraiser for family
"We were deputies together — when he got promoted to sergeant, he became my sergeant and we worked midnight shift for many years," former deputy Jason Crawford said. "He left the sheriff's office before I did and when I decided to leave the sheriff's office, he got me on at Rittman."
What happened?
Ries was killed Sunday while responding to a dispute that also claimed the lives of Christine McWilliams and her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley.
RELATED: Rittman police officer among 4 dead in Wayne County
Eight people were shot in total.
A Wayne County Sheriff's Department K-9, Vick, was shot and is in serious condition.
Two of the four SWAT team members were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and are in stable condition.
The other two were treated at the scene.
The suspect died by suicide.
