'A somber day in Milwaukee:' Community honors Officer Rittner during funeral procession

MILWAUKEE -- A procession for fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner moved through the city on Wednesday, Feb. 13. It looped in front of MPD's Tactical Enforcement Unit near 47th and Vliet, where Officer Rittner worked.

People from all over the community mourned as they said goodbye.

Memorial for Officer Matthew Rittner

"It's just a somber day in Milwaukee," said Julie Kobylinski.

It was moving as the procession passed by the police station where Officer Rittner spent much of his time.

Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner

"It is just nice to see how everybody comes together, even though you didn't know him," said Kobylinski.

The memorial for Officer Rittner outside the station continued to grow Wednesday. Kobylinski showed FOX6 News a pin of the officer's face she said she holds dear to her heart.

"I believe he was a truly great man, from all the tributes I've read," said Kobylinski.

Throughout the day, people showed support, hoping to uplift his brothers and sisters in blue.

"I just pray to God that God surrounds them with grace and gives them comfort," said Bruce Dinmore.

The former Marine lived a life dedicated to others.

"I want to support the brotherhood of the police department," Dinmore said.

Final goodbye for Officer Matthew Rittner

 

Dinmore carried an American flag as the procession passed by.

"So that officers in the procession can see it," said Dinmore.

Few words could describe the deep pain felt after Officer Rittner's line-of-duty death on Feb. 6, as he executed a search warrant near 12th and Manitoba. His funeral was held Wednesday on what would have been his 36th birthday. The procession followed that public memorial service in Oak Creek, escorting Officer Rittner to Krause Funeral Home in Brookfield.

Jordan Foster

"How can you just not feel for everybody, everything?" said Kobylinski.

Jordan Foster and her family placed balloons at the memorial for Rittner outside MPD's Tactical Enforcement Unit near 47th and Vliet.

"They're going through hard times, so we're just showing our condolences to him," said Foster.

For the Marine veteran, no words were needed -- just a salute saying goodbye to a man who honorably protected and served so many.

Mark Giuntoli

"All this madness has got to stop. It's just got to stop," said Mark Giuntoli.