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Incident
Sergeant James Kerstetter was shot and killed after responding to a call at a home on 18th Street. A mother had called 911 to report that a neighbor had exposed himself to her child and kicked in a window in her home.
The suspect opened fire on officers after they located him at his residence, wounding Sergeant Kerstetter. Other officers returned fire and killed the suspect. Sergeant Kerstetter was transported to EMH Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Sergeant Kerstetter had served with the Elyria Police Department for 15 years and had previously served with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
Sergeant Kerstetter is survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. James is one person.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Kerstetter gave the Elyria Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Elyria community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Kerstetter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Anthony Kerstetter served in the U.S. Army (1986â1989) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elyria Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 572 officers killed feloniously in OH, 57.6% of the 993 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2010, 1 officer in OH was killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1916, with 17.
In 2010, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2010, 85 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 80th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 43. Of the 552 killed feloniously in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 43. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 43. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.9% of these deaths in OH; December holds the most, 9.6%. Mondays: 14.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Elyria Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.6% of all 993 deaths in OH, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 6.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Elyria Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Military Service
James Anthony Kerstetter served in the U.S. Army (1986–1989) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Anthony Kerstetter’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Elyria Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
