Officer is third killed in the line of duty in the last eight months

Advertisement Milwaukee officer shot, killed while executing search warrant; suspect in custody Officer is third killed in the line of duty in the last eight months Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A Milwaukee tactical officer died Wednesday morning at Froedtert Hospital after being shot while executing a search warrant on the city's south side. Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales identified the fallen officer as Matthew Rittner. Rittner, 35, with 17 years of service with the department, is the third Milwaukee officer to be killed in the line of duty in the last eight months. "This is a very, very, very difficult time for our city, for the Milwaukee Police Department, obviously for the family that's been affected, and we ask for your prayers at this time," Barrett said. "I am filled with sorrow over this needless loss. At the same time I am filled with anger at the individual who took the life of this police officer."The suspected shooter, 26-year-old Jordan Fricke, was arrested."The members on scene utilized tremendous restraint during the suspect's apprehension, which is a true testament to the character and professionalism of the men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department," Morales said.Morales said Fricke was wanted for illegal sale of firearms and drugs. First responders were called to the area of South 12th and West Manitoba streets shortly after 9 a.m. They included Milwaukee firefighters and officers from the Marquette University Police Department.Alderman Bob Donovan later confirmed that the officer had passed away from his injuries."This is been an incredible difficult year for the department. Now the third officer has lost his life in the service of Milwaukee, so it's a sad day for this community," Donovan told WISN 12 NEWS.Officer Charles Irvine was killed June 7 when the squad car he was in rolled near North 76th Street and West Silver Spring Drive. Officer Michael Michalski died July 25. The 17-year veteran of the department was killed in an exchange of gunfire with a man wanted on drug and gun violations.