NEW BERLIN — Hundreds of people gathered in New Berlin to show support for the wife of fallen Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner on Saturday afternoon for a baby shower and fundraiser.
Fox Company 2/24 Marines and Milwaukee Police organized the event, which gave the community a chance to honor Officer Rittner's legacy.
"I wish everyone had a chance to know him because they'd say the same thing, he's here with us in spirit," said Michael Knetsch, who served as a chaplain in the United States Marine Corps with Officer Rittner. "He's here, we miss him, but we know he's here with us."
Rittner's wife, Caroline, found out she was expecting their second child days after her husband was shot and killed on the job.
"We know how much it costs to raise a child, being a mom of three kids, I understand it," said Amanda Crisp. Her husband served with Officer Rittner and she helped organize Saturday's event.
"We want to make sure you have anything and everything that Matt would have provided to them if he was still here," said Lynette Hanley, who also helped organize the event.
These friends, who are more like family, vow to make sure everyone knows the caliber of a man Rittner was.
"His smile and his willingness to go out of the way for people," Knetsch said. "He's a very dedicated Marine, very dedicated police officer. He cared about people."
Caroline Rittner is due in the fall.
