Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales speaking Wednesday evening identifying the officer shot dead in the line of duty earlier today.
35-year-old Matthew Rittner was struck by gunfire as the department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit was executing a search warrant at a home near South 12th and West Dakota Avenues for the illegal sale of firearms and drugs.
Rittner was taken to Froedtert Hospital for treatment, but later died at the hospital.
Chief Morales says Officer Rittner started with the department as a police aide in 2001. He was a tenured member of the Tactical Enforcement Unit, and was the recipient of numerous medals and awards.
Officer Rittner also was a veteran, serving in the Marines with three tours in the Middle East.
He leaves behind a wife and son, along with a mother and brother.
A suspect, 26-year-old Jordan Fricke of Milwaukee, was arrested at the scene without incident.
An investigation continues, and an autopsy of Officer Rittner is scheduled to take place Thursday.