Funeral arrangements have been announced for Rittman Police Sgt. Scott D. Ries, the veteran officer who was killed in the line of duty while responding to Sunday’s deadly shooting in Rittman.
According to his obituary, friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Northside Christian Church, 7615 Ridge Road in Wadsworth.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Northside Christian Church. Burial will follow at Rittman Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support Ries’ family through the donation link included in his obituary.
Ries, 54, of Marshallville, died July 5 after sustaining injuries while faithfully serving his community.
Born Nov. 13, 1971, in Barberton, Ries graduated from Chippewa High School in 1990 before attending The Ohio State University and later Hocking College, where he earned associate degrees in police science and fish and wildlife management.
He married the love of his life, Michelle Dawn Carpenter, on May 10, 1997. Together, they shared 29 years of marriage and raised two daughters.
Ries dedicated nearly three decades to law enforcement. He served with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office from 1996 to 2015 before joining the Rittman Police Department, where he served until his death and attained the rank of sergeant.
Throughout his career, he served on local SWAT teams and assisted with special investigations. His obituary describes him as a man known for his professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to protecting others.
Outside of law enforcement, Ries was deeply involved in his community. He was a member of the Doylestown Lions Club, the Chippewa High School Athletic Booster Club and Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 94.
One of his greatest passions was coaching young athletes. Whether on the football field at Chippewa Middle School or with the Ohio Stampede travel softball organization, he spent countless hours mentoring young people.
“His influence reached far beyond wins and losses, helping shape confidence, character, and lifelong memories,” his obituary states.
Above all else, Ries was remembered as a devoted husband, father and family man.
“His wife and daughters were the center of his world, and he took immense pride in supporting, encouraging, and loving them in everything they pursued,” the obituary states.
Ries is survived by his wife, Michelle; daughters Abby Ries and Maddie Ries; his mother, Janelle Ries; his brother, Kevin Ries; and several extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Ries.
Ries was killed while responding to a 911 call reporting a break-in and shots fired Sunday evening in Rittman. Authorities said officers came under immediate gunfire upon arriving at the scene. The shooting also claimed the lives of Christine McWilliams, her 13-year-old daughter, McKinley McWilliams, and the suspected gunman. Four Medina County sheriff’s deputies were wounded, along with Wayne County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Vick, who has since been released from the hospital. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate the shooting.
