Friends gather at Olivet Nazarene University, Marlene Rittmann funeral as sergeant family – Henry’s Club

Bourbonnais, Ill. (WLS) – Hundreds gathered on Friday to celebrate and pay tribute to the life of Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Reitman, who died in the line of duty last week.

Police from across the state were present at the funeral service at the Chapel Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

Sergeant Ritman was 49 years old and was honored as the “Officer of the Year” for Kankakee County. She spent the last 21 years in law enforcement, the last 14 years with the Bradley Police Department.

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His wife, Lynn Stua, gave emotional eulogies about their lives together and their love for each other. She talked about her anger and quick justice as well as asking Officer Tyler Bailey to keep her in her prayers.

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Those who knew him said that he wrote poetry. One of his poems, written in 2001, appeared in his funeral program. In it, she talks about police officers and how they might one day be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice.

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One line reads, “May one day be mine beyond the call of duty. I have no regrets, sorrow or fear while walking the Blue Line.”

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His squad car was parked outside the chapel as dozens of court patrol cars prepared to take part in the procession.

Last Wednesday, Ritman and his partner, 27-year-old Tyler Bailey, Answered the call at a hotel in Bradley.

When they knocked on a door, prosecutors say Darius Sullivan chased him, then allegedly shot and killed him with his own gun. Officer Bailey was also shot and remains in the hospital.

A Reitmanic was read at the funeral

“The color we bleed is dark blue.

The blood that is shed comes without asking from whom.

There is no choice of what we do, where we go or when we die.

The color we bleed is dark blue.

Everyone will often have to pay the final price.

The wearer of the uniform accepts the sacrifice.

May one day be mine beyond the call of duty.

I have no regrets, sadness or fear while walking the Blue Line.

The color I will bleed is dark blue. ,