HJ0015 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0015 LRB103 27356 MST 53728 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to the truly great individuals who have served our country and State and, in doing so, have made the ultimate sacrifice; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic of the Bradley Police Department gave her life in the line of duty on December 30, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was born on October 6, 1972; she was the daughter of James and Mary Jane (Thompson) Rittmanic; she married Lyn Stua on June 11, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was a 21-year law enforcement veteran; she began her career as a deputy with the Iroquois County Sheriff's Department in 2000; she joined the Bradley Police Department on February 13, 2007, where she was promoted to sergeant on September 2, 2014; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was widely recognized as a leader in community policing; she was known for her ability to speak to members of the community with respect while meeting them where they were in life, understanding their true needs, and working together with them to find a solution; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was awarded the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2020 in recognition of her commitment to the Bradley and Kankakee County communities; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was also a published poet, an amateur photographer, and a film producer for her family, the Bradley Police Department, and community events; alongside her wife, she was an avid dog rescuer; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jane Rittmanic; her sister, Diana Jessen; her brothers, Richard Rittmanic and Mark Rittmanic; and her nephews, Richie Absher and Brett Mayhood; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic is survived by her wife, Lyn Stua; her father, James Rittmanic; her sisters, Kimberly Organ, Christina (Ty) O'Connor, Kathleen (Rodney) Emme, Colleen Welch, and Jennifer (Jerry) Whitaker; her brother, James (Trish) Rittmanic; and several nieces and nephews; and

WHEREAS, Sgt. Rittmanic was a valiant Illinoisan and a proud member of the Bradley and Kankakee County communities who will be remembered for bravely and honorably serving its citizens; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the 315 Overpass on U.S. Route 57 as the "Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name of the "Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway"; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.