MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — Students and staff from Big Creek Elementary School in Middleburg Heights planted a tree Tuesday honoring fallen Cleveland Police Officer Shane Bartek.
Mayor Matthew Castelli was among the dignitaries at the dedication ceremony. The tree includes a plaque with Bartek's name along with the epitaph, "Rooted in Love, Always in Our Hearts."
Bartek, who was from Middleburg Heights, died on New Year's Eve of 2021 after being shot during a carjacking attempt. His killing sent shockwaves through the community, and even through Bartek was technically not on duty at the time, new Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb eventually classified his death as being "in the line of duty" since the officer had attempted to disarm the suspect.
The woman who shot Bartek, 19-year-old Tamara McLoyd, was convicted for not just his murder but also for a slew of carjackings around Greater Cleveland. She was sentenced to life in prison, and will not be eligible for parole until she is in her late 60s.
Along with the tree at his old school, officials in Cleveland also named a portion of Utopia Way after Bartek last November.