HR0597 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0597 LRB102 23807 LAW 32998 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic of the Bradley Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on December 30, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was born on October 6, 1972; she was the daughter of James and Mary Jane (Thompson) Rittmanic; she married Lyn Stua on June 11, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was a 21-year law enforcement veteran; she began her career as a deputy with the Iroquois County Sheriff's Department in 2000; she joined the Bradley Police Department on February 13, 2007, where she was promoted to sergeant on September 2, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was widely recognized as a leader in community policing; she was known for her ability to speak to members of the community with respect while meeting them where they were in life, understanding their true needs, and working together with them to find a solution; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was awarded the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2020 in recognition of her commitment to the Bradley and Kankakee County communities; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was also a published poet, an amateur photographer, and a film producer for family, the Bradley Police Department, and community events; alongside her wife, she was an avid dog rescuer; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was a valiant Illinoisan and a proud member of the Bradley and Kankakee County communities who bravely and honorably served its citizens; she will be dearly missed; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane Rittmanic; her sister, Diana Jessen; her brothers, Richard Rittmanic and Mark Rittmanic; and her nephews, Richie Absher and Brett Mayhood; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic is survived by her wife, Lyn Stua; her father, James Rittmanic; her sisters, Kimberly Organ, Christina (Ty) O'Connor, Kathleen (Rodney) Emme, Colleen Welch, and Jennifer (Jerry) Whitaker; her brother, James (Trish) Rittmanic; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we honor the memory of Sgt. Rittmanic, who gave her life while protecting the citizens of Bradley; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Sgt. Rittmanic and the Bradley Police Department as an expression of our deepest sympathy.