Community fundraiser held for family of fallen MPD Officer Matthew Rittner

OAK CREEK (CBS 58) -- Several months after the tragic death of MPD Officer Matthew Rittner, the Milwaukee community continues to show their support.

Harvest Community Church in Oak Creek held a fundraiser for his family on Saturday.

"We have quite a few law enforcement officers that go to our church and it had been really heavy on our hearts to do something that showed them that they were supported,“ said Katie Freimark, who helped organize the event.

Rittner, 35, was killed in the line of duty in February, leaving behind a pregnant wife and young son. "When we heard about Caroline being pregnant, that was the name of what we needed to do," Freimark said.

The fundraiser included a car show with some vintage rides, a raffle, food, and live music.

Several MPD officers and law enforcement from other departments were in attendance. "It really impacts you cause that could be you potentially,” said Dave Sweet, Wilmette police officer. “I never met him, I don't know him, but it was like I lost a family member."

The close-knit church community hopes the fundraiser shows the Rittner family people are here for them.

"We as a church, really want to lift up in prayer the people who give of their lives in that way and we want to be a light for the community," said Isaac Miller, pastor of discipleship.