Marlene Roberta Rittmanic served in the U.S. Army for 4 months. Marlene served during the years of the Cold War and Gulf War.
Gunfire
Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic was shot and killed as she and another officer investigated a noise complaint at the Comfort Inn at 1500 Illinois 50.
The officers had responded to the motel at approximately 9:30 pm to investigate reports of barking dogs that were left unattended in a vehicle. They located the room where the vehicle's owner was staying and contacted the occupants. During the encounter, the occupants attacked and shot both officers. Sergeant Rittmanic and the other officer were transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
Sergeant Rittmanic succumbed to her wounds shortly after midnight. Her partner was shot in the forehead and suffered permanent disabilities, medically retiring from law enforcement.
The occupants fled the motel and were arrested approximately 36 hours after a multi-state manhunt. One suspect was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison.
Sergeant Rittmanic was a U.S. Army veteran of the Gulf War and had served with the Bradley Police Department for 14 years. She had previously served with the Iroquois County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
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In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sergeant Rittmanic gave the Bradley Police Department 21 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bradley community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, sister.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
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