Three months after the tragic death of Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, his widow, Caroline Rittner, received bittersweet news: she is expecting a baby girl. The announcement, filled with both joy and sorrow, was shared by Sgt. Roberto Colon.
“Bittersweet news, but we’re going to have another Rittner out here in the world that’s gonna come out and represent his daddy,” said Sgt. Colon, highlighting the legacy Officer Rittner leaves behind. He told CBS 58 that Caroline Rittner learned of her pregnancy shortly after her husband’s passing. The Milwaukee Police Department has pledged unwavering support for Caroline and her son.
“She knows that she can come anytime and knock on our door. She doesn’t even have to. We’re gonna be there bothering her all the time anyway. She’ll probably have to kick us out of the house most of the time,” Sgt. Colon stated, emphasizing the department’s commitment to the Rittner family.
Officer Rittner was fatally shot in February while serving a search warrant. The baby girl is due in October. The news of the pregnancy has brought a mix of emotions to those who knew and loved Officer Rittner.
Caroline Rittner held a baby gender reveal party with her husband’s unit, WISN reported. Pink balloons were released from a box, revealing she is expecting a girl. “It was met with mixed emotions,” Lt. Kristin Felsman said. “Extremely joyful emotions because, (it’s) another legacy of Matt, and obviously very sad emotions because Matt would not be there to share in the joy of a new life.”
If you would like to help, Caroline is registered at:
Furthermore, the Milwaukee Police Association is also accepting donations at any TCF Bank branch to help the Rittner family. This support underscores the strong bond within the law enforcement community and their dedication to assisting the families of fallen officers. The sacrifice made by Officer Rittner will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on through his children.
Preparing for a police funeral is never easy, and the emotional toll on the family and the department is immense. The support offered in the aftermath is crucial in helping those left behind navigate their grief and rebuild their lives. The police union and the wider community often rally together to provide financial and emotional assistance, demonstrating solidarity and compassion during difficult times. This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by officers every day and the importance of supporting their families.