Funeral arrangements set for fallen Cleveland Police Det. James Skernivitz

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The wake and funeral plans for Cleveland Police Det. James Skernivitz were released Saturday.

Friends will be received, with masks and social distancing measures in place, this Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the A. Ripepi and Sons Funeral Home, located at 18149 Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights.

Related story: Community mourns the loss of Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz, killed in the line of duty

Mass will be held Friday at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist — located at 1007 Superior Ave. in Cleveland — followed by the burial.

The time of the mass has not yet been set, and the burial service will be private.

Meanwhile, the community is standing as one, united in grief over the loss of decorated Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz.

A make-shift memorial at the crime scene is growing as neighbors, fellow officers and friends stop by to place flowers, candles, balloons and even a Cleveland Police t-shirt at the site.

Mike Normile of Lakewood says, “I just wanted to see that there was a tribute to this man who deserved it. Because he gave his life to keep the city safe for everybody.”

Mark Swartz who wanted to pay his respects says, “He was dedicated to his job, his family, his life. He gave his life for the City of Cleveland. You’ve got to pay your respects.”

Amanda Evcic, along with her four children were shocked to hear an officer was gunned down in their neighborhood as he worked undercover to take gangs, guns and drugs off the street.

“It was very upsetting because they’re out here to protect us everyday on the streets, instead, they’re getting killed. And that’s not something that should be happening,” Evcic said.

Those visiting the site say honoring the officer’s legacy is the least they can do, for a Detective who died while serving his community.

Meanwhile, an emotional scene at the coroner’s office as the fallen officer’s family was comforted by his fellow police officers. Then his body received a police escort to the funeral home in Middleburg Heights.

Click here for Det. Skernivitz’s obituary.

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