There were police cars parked for blocks in all directions, bearing the names of cities all over Greater Cleveland - and across Ohio. Hundreds of officers lined the streets, and their white-gloved hands snapped to a simultaneous salute as the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums Unit preceded a fleet of funeral vehicles.
Once the flag-covered casket was taken inside the Cathedral, family, friends and police personnel slowly filed into the sanctuary. The service was closed to the public, but the proceedings were broadcast to the crowd over speakers. Catholic Bishop Richard Lennon presided over the funeral mass; at one point, recounting his efforts to console Detective Schroeder's wife, Amy.
Bishop Richard Lennon: As Amy and I spoke last Friday, we both agreed that this was so unfair. Carrying out his duty, protecting and serving the people of Cleveland, this good and faithful officer paid the supreme price.
Cleveland Police Chaplain John Cregan lightened the mood a bit by recounting Jonathan Schroeder's love for practical jokes and helping his friends. The Chaplain said that spirit should be the fallen officer's legacy.
John Cregan: Someone once said that, a person killed in the line of duty - it was not how they died that made them a hero, but rather, how they lived.
That life was honored by rows of men and women in blue, a number of whom had traveled great distances to pay tribute to a man that few of them knew personally. Katrina Welch from the Toledo Police color guard said the death of any officer in the line of duty is felt personally by all.
Katrina Welch: This is our brother, even though we don't know him... we don't know his family. It's "there but for the grace of God go I."
Sgt. Dan Quigley of the Toronto Police Chief's Ceremonial Unit made an even longer journey to attend the ceremony, but he concurred that this was a time for all police to stand together.
Dan Quigley: It's a sad occasion, but when one of us falls, we all stumble.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Council President Martin Sweeny stood with the officers in front of the cathedral as they watched the coffin carried to the hearse for another long journey - this time to Monroeville, PA, where Jonathan Schroeder will be laid to rest. David C. Barnett, 90.3.