Funeral held for Rittman police Sgt. Scott Ries in Wadsworth

WADSWORTH — Rittman Police Sgt. Scott Ries was remembered as a teacher, supportive parent and community leader at his funeral Friday at Northside Christian Church. An American flag flew high above the entrance to the church as police personnel from departments across the state made their way inside. Rain briefly poured down prior to the service starting before giving way to sunshine and blue skies. During the service, multiple speakers spoke positively of Ries' character, describing him as a man with large presence who was like a teddy bear. Brunswick Fire Chief Greg Glauner was one of many Medina County first responders attending Ries' funeral. He did not personally know Ries, but he spoke of the importance of first responders sticking together. "I believe that any first responder, in order to do your job, you can't do it alone," he said. "You need the support of everyone around you, of all of the other first responders. I can go a lot farther and do a lot more knowing that the person behind me has got my back." Glauner described the relationship between the police and fire department as a fellowship. "I have the ultimate respect for police officers," he said. "They put their lives on the line all the time for us. I think there is no greater sacrifice than to lay down your life for that of your brothers, sisters and country." Ries, 54, of Marshallville, was killed in the line of duty Sunday night in Rittman when responding officers came under gunfire. The suspect, Brandon Fazekas, 39, and two victims, Christine McWilliams, 44, and McKinley McWilliams, 13, died at the scene. Ries was a Rittman police officer for 10 years and previously served as a Wayne County Sheriff's deputy and as an officer with the Sugar Grove Police Department in Fairfield County. While responding to the incident, other officers and Wayne County Sheriff's Office K-9 Vick were struck by gunfire and have been treated for their injuries. The incident remains under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.