Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

After 8 years of service to my agency and community i m moving from being
A Sgt in Corrections to our Criminal Patrol Division at 55 years old.
I was recently tasked with presenting something and I came across the sad part of your story. It has become more than just
“ something ‘ to present.
The past few days i have read so much
about you and i will read your poem to my class today in honor of your memory.
I am honored to know of you even if it is through the media .
I can only imagine how vibrant and strong you were in real life.

Thank you for your service.

Deputy Matsumoto
ST Tammany Parish Sheriff Office

May 31, 2024

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Former Leo

June 1, 2023

Such a tragedy that happened so close to home. Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic had an impact on many peoples lives. Sorry for your loss.

Julie Manzello

March 15, 2022

Such a tragedy that happened so close to home. Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic had an impact on many peoples lives. Sorry for your loss.

Julie Manzello

March 15, 2022

“Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”
This quote from Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic has been on the board in my criminal justice class for weeks. Our class at Grundy Area Vocational Center has been tasked with researching an officer that has fallen in the line of duty. This quote has resonated with me and I immediately chose Sgt. Rittmanic. While researching I was surprised by her credentials. Not only did she spend 21 years protecting and giving back to her community, she also protected her country while serving in the Army. Her community has lost a great police officer. Rest In Peace Sergeant Rittmanic

Brandon Maffit

March 8, 2022

RIP Sergeant Rittmanic. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. May God comfort your family, friends, and police officers everywhere. You were truly an exceptional blessing to the area departments and the community. Your love for those you protected will never be forgotten.

Dawn Corlett Kingston
Former resident of the Bradley, Il. area & family of first respond

February 25, 2022

This is beyond evil and I believe there's a special place for people like these two lost souls. Why?

Private citizen
Fellow human being.

January 26, 2022

Thank You for your many years of service, though we don't have you now the world is a better place because of you. God's Speed!

Civilian Keith Silva
Private Citizen

January 22, 2022

Rest in eternal Peace, good and faithful public servant.
God has already reserved a special place for our peacemakers.
Please continue your careful and diligent watch over us.
When Law Enforcement perishes, a proud and caring nation mourns.
Thank you for your heroic sacrifice!
Thank you for your selfless service!
Thank you for your guardian protection!

Our prayers to the family and department.

Charles F. Holloway, Jr.
Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
Elizabethtown Police Department

January 18, 2022

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

"This We'll Defend"

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

January 18, 2022

Rest in Peace Sergeant Rittmanic. Thank you for your Service.
My prayers to your loving Family, co-workers and the community you served.
You will be missed, Gone but NEVER Forgotten.

Cpl. Terri Albright
DuPage County Sheriff's Office

January 13, 2022

Rest in peace sister. Thank you for your service. God's speed ma'am.

Lieutenant John C. Moore
Wisconsin State Conservation Warden & State Trooper (Retired)

January 9, 2022

May the Almighty Father bless the family of our fallen hero sister who was senselessly murdered. May our sister rest in eternal peace and and knowing her beloved family will never be forgotten by this tragic loss. May God also sustain and bless al l the members of the Bradley Police Department.

Detective Mike (Retired)
Chicago Police Department.

January 8, 2022

PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OUR FAMILY OF BLUE. ANOTHER OFFICER TAKEN TO SOON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF YOUR COMMUNITY. REST IN GOD'S ARMS

MOTHER OF A DALLAS POLICEWOMAN LINDA KE
None

January 7, 2022

Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic, thank you for placing the safety of everyone in your community before your own. Prayers for your family, friends, and brothers & sisters in blue!

Tim Trowbridge
Indianapolis

January 6, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family of Sgt Marlene Rittmanic. This is a tragic and shameful loss for our state and our nation. I hope her wife and family are flooded with support and the warmth of the precious memories of Marlene through their tremendous grief.

You are in the thoughts and prayers of my family and we honor the life and service of Sergeant Rittmanic

Nadia
Citizen of Illinois

Nadia
Citizen of Illinois

January 6, 2022

God’s peace and speed my Blue Sister. Your service...your sacrifice....YOU....will never be forgotten. R.I.P.

Officer R. Popelka #7903
Chicago P.D.

January 5, 2022

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF SERGEANT RITTMANIC, AND ALL THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF SERGEANT RITTMANIC. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. HER SERVICE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND HER DEEDS NEVER FORGOTTEN.
GOD BLESS

Retired Officer David Herbert
Toronto Police Service, Canada

January 5, 2022

Horrendous cowardly murder.

I salute all those who serve as a Police Officer and thank you.

Jeremy Scott
Northern Ireland

January 5, 2022

Rest in peace Sergeant Rittmanic. Thank you ma'am for your service and sacrifice. Prayers and thoughts for your immediate family and fellow colleagues. Prayers and thoughts for Officer Bailey.

Former reserve Deputy ( OCSO) FL Eddie A
Osceola county Sheriff's office

January 5, 2022

Justice will be served!!!! There is no reason why this happened. Sgt. Rittmanic,
as I look at your beautiful photo I see a professional law enforcement officer, taken from us by EVIL.

You are an inspiration to us all to NEVER GIVE UP!!!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

OFFICER MIKE PERRY
CITY OF FORT MYERS POLICE DEPARTMENT,FL.

January 4, 2022

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC

January 4, 2022

Sergeant Rittmanic, Rest in Peace my sister.

Captain Bernard Flint
Department of Defense Police Division

January 4, 2022

Rest In Peace my sister and may the Good Lord take care of your wife and family.

A fellow copper
St. Louis Police Department

January 4, 2022

Always a beacon to all of us. Sgt. Rittmanic was always looking for ways to make others' lives better. Marlene you will NEVER be forgotten and always in our hearts and on our minds as we continue the watch!

Lt. Bob Mason
Bradley Police Department

January 4, 2022