LCC K-9 Ministry Teams Comfort Law Enforcement, Military, Family and Friends of Milwaukee Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner (age 35) was killed in the line of duty on February 6, 2019. He was shot while assisting with the execution of a search warrant. Matthew was a 17 year veteran of the police department, and ten year member of the Tactical Enforcement Unit. He was a decorated officer, who had earned the Medal of Valor and the Meritorious Service Award for heroic actions to save lives.

Matthew was also a U.S. Marine who served multiple tours of duty in Iraq, and saw combat there. He saved the life of a fellow soldier who was injured in combat. Matthew applied a tourniquet to stop a bleeding wound, and then carried the wounded soldier through enemy fire to a location where a helicopter rescue could be accomplished.

The Wisconsin Honor Guard Association reached out to Patrick Quinn, LCC K-9 Police Ministry Coordinator, to invite LCC K-9 Police Ministry and LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry teams to the visitations of Officer Rittner. Teams met with Matthew's family members, law enforcement personnel from all over the United States, military members, and others who came to pay their respects.

Matthew was a son, brother, husband, father, soldier, and police officer who dedicated himself to serving others, and who saved lives. Matthew is survived by his wife, and young son.

"Well done, good and faithful servant!" Matthew 25:21
 
The following LCC K-9 Ministry Teams were blessed to serve:

LCC K-9 Police Ministry:
Shiloh (Christ Our Savior – Dixon, Illinois)
Charity (Brookfield Lutheran – Brookfield, Wisconsin)
Dora (LHSA of Greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry:
Brutus (LCC Squad)’
Rhoda (Prince of Peace – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin)

Two days after the funeral, an email was sent to Patrick Quinn from Matthew's fellow Marine and police officer, Josh Horton, who wrote:

"It was a pleasure to meet you guys, and thank you so much for coming to spend time with us all, and to help comfort Matt's Marine and Police teammates during this difficult time. We all very much appreciated the thought and time you took to be there.

Highest Regard,
Josh"

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