Grundy Reporter

Illinois Rep. Jackie Haas, R-79th, is remembering the men and women of law enforcement who selflessly worked to protect their communities and tragically lost their lives in the line of duty last year.

Haas honored those police officers and attended the 2022 Police Officer Memorial in Springfield May 5, according to a Facebook post. 

"One of the fallen officers being honored was Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic of Bradley Police Department and a member of the 79th District community," Haas wrote on Facebook. "We will never forget the sacrifices our police officers make in the line of duty and we are forever grateful for their dedication to protecting our friends, family, loved ones and communities."

According to WIFR, hundreds of uniformed police officers from across Illinois attended the sober ceremony. Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Ill.; Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton; Secretary of State Jesse White; Attorney General Kwame Raoul; and others also attended.

The Illinois Police Officers Memorial Committee outlined the names of the 2022 honorees. There were 11 fallen officers on that list, dating back to April 2020. 

Raoul spoke at the event, pointing out the officers knew the dangers they faced but "left home each and every day to do their jobs regardless," according to WQAD.