CLEVELAND — As funeral services were underway Tuesday morning for fallen Cleveland police officer Shane Bartek, the Cleveland Guardians, Browns and Cavaliers offered a special tribute through a joint statement on social media.
Here is their statement in full:
"As Cleveland police officer Shane Bartek is laid to rest today, it reminds us of how thankful we are for the commitment and service he, and so many other members of our police and public safety community, provide every day. Officer Bartek was tragically killed during an attempted car-jacking and we have lost someone that was passionate about protecting and serving. He was also a life-long Cleveland sports fan and that, along with his special dedication to our community, is something we never take for granted and appreciate greatly. We extend our condolences to his family and friends as they experience this painful and senseless loss."
Officer Bartek, 25, was shot in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 4300 block of Rocky River Drive around 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. He was a two-year veteran with the Cleveland Police Department.
His funeral was held Tuesday morning at Grace Church of Middleburg Heights with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. You can watch the full funeral service from Grace Church in the player below:
The alleged murder suspect in Bartek’s death – 18-year-old Tamara McLoyd – made her first court appearance last week as a Cleveland judge issued a $5 million bond on a charge of aggravated murder.
McLoyd is due back in court later this week for an arraignment hearing in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.