To honor the life of fallen Bradley Police Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic, State Representative Jackie Haas is working to name the 315 overpass on I-57 the “Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway.”  Haas has introduced House Joint Resolution 15 to designate the overpass in the memory of the slain officer.

Rittmanic was killed in the line of duty December 30, 2021, after investigating a noise complaint at a Bourbonnais hotel with another officer. On Tuesday, this resolution passed the House Transportation: Regulation, Roads, & Bridges Committee with unanimous and bipartisan support.

“Our police officers put their lives in danger with every shift and every call, and Sergeant Rittmanic’s horrific death reminds us of these dangers and the courage of the men and women in blue,” said Haas in a news release.

“By designating the overpass near the site of where her life was taken, we honor her heroism for Bradley and the surrounding Kankakee-Bourbonnais area where she worked to serve and protect, as well as for our state. All who drive and pass its designation will be reminded of the sacrifice police officers and their families make for the safety of our communities.”  Marlene Rittmanic was a deputy with the Iroquois County Sheriff Department before joining the Bradley Police Dept.

Rittmanic was a 21-year law enforcement veteran, published poet, amateur photographer and film producer. With her wife, she was an avid dog rescuer and was widely recognized as a leader in community policing. She is survived by her wife, father, sisters, brother and nieces and nephews.

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