Community support in wake of officer’s death truly inspiring
Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan February 8, 2019
In the hours immediately after the on-duty death of Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner on Wednesday, I said publicly that it was an important moment for the Milwaukee community to stand together and offer its support for the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department and for all of our first responders.
All I can say is WOW – the community’s response has been truly amazing and inspiring.
From the outpouring of support and concern I experienced at Froedtert immediately after the officer was transported there, to the huge number of officers and first responders who showed up at the hospital, to the motorists getting out of their vehicles to salute Officer Rittner as the procession from the hospital headed to the Medical Examiner’s Office, to the massive and somber response of officers and citizens as the procession arrived at the ME’s office – it has truly left a touching message to the world about who we are as a community and how we banded together to support our officers and each other.
Scores of people have donated to help the family and other funds to help officers and first responders, and have also left flowers and other tributes and memorials to Officer Rittner.
I am personally very proud of how Milwaukee citizens and the community have responded to this tragedy. I want to commend each and every one of the individuals who have paid their respects, who have saluted our fallen officer, and who have donated whatever they had to help.
My hat’s off to you – THANK YOU.
I want to also offer my sincere condolences to the family of Officer Rittner, and want the family to know that I am praying for them and that I will continue to offer my heartfelt support during this sad and difficult time.
I would be remiss not to also mention and commend the members of the Tactical Enforcement Unit who were on scene when the shooting occurred. They showed great restraint and true professionalism while making the arrest and taking the suspect into custody.
Now it is up to all of us to continue this strong support where it is so richly deserved.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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