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Greenfield HS remembers Rittner
Greenfield HS remembers Rittner
Matthew Rittner Senior Photo - 2001 GHS Yearbook
GREENFIELD -- The Greenfield School District released a statement on Thursday, Feb. 7 regarding the death of Milwaukee police officer Matthew Rittner. Rittner graduated from Greenfield High School in 2001, where he was a standout athlete.
Police on Thursday, Feb. 7 continued to collect evidence at the home near 12th and Manitoba where Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, 35, was shot on Wednesday morning while MPD's Tactical Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for the illegal sale of firearms and drugs. Officer Rittner, a 17-year veteran of the department, died at the hospital. Jordan Fricke, 26, was arrested after police said he fired several rounds.
Officer Rittner began his career with MPD as a police aide in 2001. He was also a Marine Corps veteran. His dedication to his community and country was often recognized.
From tennis to wrestling, the young Rittner was always eager to be a part of a team.
"The academics meant something, as well as competing and being part of a team," said Kevin Murphy, Rittner's wrestling coach.
Kevin Murphy
Murphy, a teacher at Greenfield High School, said he was shocked and saddened to hear of Rittner's passing.
"Hearing Matt -- yeah. It was devastating," said Murphy.
Murphy said the early description of the officer on the news fit three former students -- all wrestlers who went on to become MPD officers. Rittner was active in a variety of sports, including wrestling, football, tennis and the ROTC program. Murphy said it was no surprise that Rittner went on to serve his country as a Marine, and his community as an officer.
After his death, Murphy said the hard part would be talking to current students about the end of this hero's journey.
"Live each day to the best you can. You don't know when it's going to be your last," said Murphy.
Rittner was the first person to graduate from the ROTC program at Greenfield High School and die in the line of duty or in combat. Program leaders were planning a memorial.
Read the full statement from Greenfield H.S. below: