BRADLEY, Ill. – The Illinois House Transportation: Regulation, Roads, & Bridges Committee has unanimously approved a resolution to name the 315 Overpass on Interstate 57 as the “Sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic Memorial Highway.”
The resolution was introduced by House Assistant Minority Leader Jackie Haas in memory of fallen Bradley Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic, who was killed in the line of duty on December 30th, 2021.
Sergeant Rittmanic was investigating a noise complaint at Comfort Inn off Route 50 in Bradley with another officer when her life was tragically taken. She was a 21-year law enforcement veteran, published poet, amateur photographer, and film producer. With her wife, she was an avid dog rescuer and was widely recognized as a leader in community policing.
“By designating the overpass near the site of where her life was taken, we honor her heroism for Bradley and the surrounding Kankakee-Bourbonnais area where she worked to serve and protect; as well as for our state,” said Rep. Haas. “All who drive and pass its designation will be reminded of the sacrifice police officers and their families make for the safety of our communities.”
Rep. Haas also introduced House Resolution 597 in January 2022 to honor the memory of Sergeant Rittmanic, and HR 597 was adopted in February 2022.
Rittmanic was part of the Iroquois County Sheriff’s Deputy from 2000 through 2007 and has been with the Bradley Police Department since 2007. Rittmanic was promoted to Sergeant in 2014.
No date has been set for an official dedication ceremony for the roadway.
