Body of fallen MPD Officer Matthew Rittner taken to Brookfield funeral home



MILWAUKEE -- The City of Milwaukee showed their support after a Milwaukee police officer was killed in the line of duty. Fellow law enforcement escorted the body of Officer Matthew Rittner in an emotional procession to Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield on Thursday, Feb. 7.

The city came to a halt as strangers showed support for a man most never met.

Procession for Officer Matthew Rittner



"I'm always thankful for their protection so we have to pay our respects," said Kyana Myles, lives on Milwaukee's northwest side.

They lined the streets downtown somber.

Procession for Officer Matthew Rittner



"I know it's hard for the family, the officer's family," said Erica Ehlert, watched procession.

Officer Rittner's body was escorted by a large procession leaving the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, and driving past a memorial near 47th and Vliet.

The hearse made its way by the things that brought the officer joy, like Miller Park.

At Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield, flags flying at half-staff.



"Matt is coming here right now and I still don't believe that is Matt. There's no way that was taken from us," said Max Zaruba, Rittner's friend.

Max Zaruba served with Rittner in the Marines. He documented the procession for the hundreds of others who couldn't be there in person.

"I want to be here to make sure I have every opportunity possible to spread the word of Matt Rittner," Zaruba said.

When the hearse reached the funeral home, officers lined up and saluted. An emotional day that's only the beginning of a city starting to say goodbye.

Procession for Officer Matthew Rittner



Procession for Officer Matthew Rittner



"You didn't lose a cop, you didn't lose a Marine, you lost somebody that was everything there ever was to be," said Zaruba.

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Rittner was shot near 12th and Manitoba on the city’s south side on Wednesday morning, Feb. 6. The fallen officer left behind a wife and young son. He was 35 years old, and a 17-year member of the department.