When Leadership Called-Crickets

La Grange IL

04 February, 2022

6:08 PM

Description

When Leadership Called-Cricket Move cop killings into federal justice system, former police chief says https://t.co/zbrsthxtHg via @WBBMNewsradio— Chief Thomas Weitzel-Retired (@ChiefWeitzel) January 8, 2022 Where is the leadership? Where is the public outcry? Where is our police executive leadership? I am asking those questions in regard to the cold-blooded murder of a Bradley, Illinois police sergeant Marlene R. Rittmanic (49) in late December of 2021 Bardley, Illinois Police Sergeant Murder and Officer Shooting. I am asking those questions in regard to a shooting of a second Bradley patrol officer (Tyler J. Bailey, 27) in the same incident. I am asking those questions in regard to the murder of a Wayne County, Illinois Sheriff's Deputy Sean Riley (38) Wayne County, Illinois Sheriff Deputy Killed. All on duty – all in uniform – all driving fully marked squad cars, and it has compelled me to ask, "Where is the outcry"? It has been widely reported that Bradley Illinois Police Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic pled for her life before being shot and killed by the offender. She reportedly stated, "You don't have to do this," and the offender stated, "Yes - I do." This was after the offender had already shot her partner in the head. The offender was assisted in this ruthless murder by his female companion. She helped wrestle the officer's gun away and helped keep her down while she was shot – just vicious. What was this? It was an outright execution and a sure indicator as to where our country is headed – into complete lawlessness. These Bradley Police Officers were responding to what many consider a "routine" call - a barking dog in a car in a motel parking lot. All the officers were trying to do was to make sure that the dog was in good health and find the owner of the vehicle to address the barking. This execution of Sergeant Rittmanic did generate a great deal of outpouring from the Bradley, Illinois residents and surrounding communities. Other than that - crickets…quiet. Where are our national leaders, our federal leaders, and, for that matter, where are our law enforcement leaders? There have been no public demonstrations, marching, protesting in support of these officers' departments, communities, and the greater profession of law enforcement. Police leaders are afraid to speak up, either fearful they will lose their cherished position as police chief, sheriff, or other executive law positions, if they state their opinions – or, in many cases, the truth. As you advance in your law enforcement career and attend leadership schools, you are continuously educated on what it takes to be a leader, and, in this case, leadership is sorely lacking. I may come at this from a different position than most. I am a retired police chief from Riverside, Illinois where I worked for 37 years in law enforcement, 13 as chief. All three of my adult sons are suburban Chicago police officers. I was shot in the line of duty when I was on the job for just three years in Riverside (1987) patrol officer shot-eventually became chief. My life was literally saved by the bulletproof vest I was wearing. All this has given me a much different perspective on what is important in life. Police leaders need to speak up and tell it like it is. The public needs to stop using inflammatory terms that only seek to grab headlines. Police violence is a new term that has been floated by those, who are in all probability, anti-police. However, there is no doubt that there are police officers in the profession that do not belong in law enforcement. But that is true in every profession. If we spot bad officers, or the public points them out, they should be investigated. If they do not conduct themselves in a professional manner while serving the public, they should be fired. Those who break the law should be prosecuted. Historically, that is a very small number. I am asking our national leaders, state leaders and police executives throughout the country to do what is right – do not self-serve to save your pristine position. Lead. Chief Thomas Weitzel (retired) Riverside, Illinois Police Department Follow Chief Weitzel on Twitter @chiefweitzel About Tom Weitzel Tom Weitzel retired from the Riverside, Illinois Police Department on May 20, 2021 after 37 years in law enforcement, 13 years as Chief of Police. Opinions are my own. Disclaimer All views expressed in this letter are my own and do not represent the opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.