Police Officer Matthew Rittner Memorialized In Washington

WASHINGTON — Milwaukee Police Department Officer Matthew Rittner was shot and killed during a search warrant on the city's south side in 2019. Now, he is memorialized in Washington, D.C.

Thursday evening, his name and hundreds of others were formally dedicated at the 33rd Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., according to a news release from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

The names, there are 701 in total, are each of a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty. Many are of officers who died in 2019 or 2020, hundreds more are of officers who died in years prior — the candle vigil was delayed to Thursday from May, the news release said.

"Officer Rittner is a beloved member of our agency and has received a number of medals and awards. As we watch Officer Rittner honored tonight at the National Law Enforcement Memorial service, please keep his family, his friends, and members of the Milwaukee Police Department in your thoughts and prayers. We remember," the Milwaukee Police Department posted on Facebook ahead of the ceremony.

182 of the names dedicated were of law enforcement fatalities due to COVID-19. 62 percent of all police deaths in 2020 were a result of COVID-19, the news release said.

Rittner's name can be found on panel 54-E:31 of the memorial, according to the Memorial Fund website.

"To pay them proper tribute, each of their names will be read as a part of the ceremony and will be forever etched on the walls of the Memorial and in the hearts of an eternally grateful nation," said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. "To them and the families that they represent, and to all law enforcement professionals who serve each day to protect us, thank you."

Rittner Left Behind Wife And Child

Rittner left behind a wife and child when he was killed. In 2019, prior to his death, two other Milwaukee Police Officers were killed in the line of duty. He began his career in law enforcement in 2001 as a police aide, the same year he graduated from Greenfield High School.

When he died, Rittner was remembered by the community. John Thomsen, a former coach of his previously told Patch "Matthew was thoughtful, kind, respectful, hardworking and always positive. As hardworking as Matthew was, he was also able to keep things 'light' and really enjoyed his teachers, coaches, teammates and friends."

"Matthew's smile and overall positive disposition was contagious. It is no surprise that Matthew chose to serve his country, community and a calling greater than himself," Thomsen said.

Rittner was conducting a warrant with other police officers on the 2900 block of S. 12th Street in Milwaukee on suspicion of illegal weapons and drugs when he was killed. When officers approached the house, Rittner was struck by gunfire.

See also:

Fallen Milwaukee Officer Leaves Behind Wife And Child

Community Remembers Life Of Matthew Rittner, Fallen MPD Officer

Former colleagues of Rittner were among some of the people traveling to Washington for the event.

Officer Matthew Murray, Rittner's former partner, told WISN 12 News "It's going to be very emotional obviously when I see his name on the wall."

"It means a lot. Obviously just having the comradery and everybody suffering through the pain of the event," Murray told WISN 12 News. "Now hopefully just going on in strong remembrance."