Local Business Bare Blue for Bradley Police Department

The new year has been highlighted with the color blue. Homes and businesses across Kankakee County can be seen with blue lights, blue lines, and American Flags at half-mast as our community stands in solidarity to show support for critically injured Officer Tyler Bailey and to express anguish in the tragic death of Sergeant Marlene Rittmanic.

The shared despondency of a community attacked in a ruthless and personal way has tainted the day-to-day tasks, as citizens continue to work through the multitude of emotions that are being wrestled with by the community. Though, much like the days that followed September 11, 2001, we see a community helping each other regain its footing. A community, by definition, is a feeling of fellowship with others, something that is not easily forgotten. While nothing will ever replace the void left by Sergeant Rittmanic’s death, or Officer Bailey’s significant injuries, that feeling of fellowship has been rekindled across Kankakee County.  

In addition to the aforementioned showings of support, many members of the community have stepped up to financially support the families of Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic, while managing to inspire hope to the rest of us in the process.

Jimmy Jo’s BBQ served up its award-winning pulled pork and donated the proceeds to the family of Officer Bailey. The Looney Bin hosted a “Back the Blue Jam,” with a cover charge, donation jars, and appetizing jello shots contributed to a donation for the family of Officer Bailey. Bradley American Legion boasted an impressive spread of all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, and biscuits and gravy to raise money for both the families of Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic.

Manteno American Legion housed a banner for Officer Bailey, which was signed by patrons and community members alike. The banner, beautifully designed by Mike Tattersall at 3sixtyunlimited in Peotone, came into creation courtesy of an idea from Manteno resident Cindy Scripter, who didn’t believe a card was big enough to convey her message of support. No stranger to raising money for great causes, Southland Championship Wrestling and rock band Shock the System teamed up again for a rock-and-wrestling match at Steam Hollow Brewing Co., where donations were taken for both Officer Bailey and Sergeant Rittmanic.

Little Ceasars locations in Kankakee and Bourbonnais gave free Hot and Ready Pizzas to all Bradley, Bourbonnais, and Kankakee Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMTs on January 17.

It is beautiful to see so many people and organizations use their particular skill sets to raise awareness and money for the families of both officers, and these are only a few of the acts of kindness seen advertised on social media.

It is imperative to reiterate during this time of mourning and prayer, that many are still doing their best to decide how to accept or rationalize what happened to our community on December 29. While those emotions still run deeply through one’s veins and the pain is fresh in hearts, some solace must be taken in the understanding that when the night is darkest, neighbors are quick to show up with a light.