Kitelinger, 27, was department’s new canine handler
City of Burlington Police Officer Tanner Kitelinger, 27, died at his home Friday, likely as the result of medical issues stemming from diabetes, according to Police Chief Mark Anderson.
Anderson said Kitelinger, who had been with the department since March 2015, had successfully managed his diabetes since his diagnosis at age 12.
“(He) was an outstanding law enforcement officer and, more importantly, was an outstanding person,” Anderson said. “He will be greatly and sadly missed by the department.”
Kitelinger, who recently was tabbed as the department’s canine handler, had trained and bonded with the Zander, the department’s canine unit. The two began patrolling together on May 7.
Mayor Jeannie Hefty said Kitelinger had gone out of his way to thank her for reviving Burlington’s canine program and frequently sent her photos of the duo to keep her abreast on the progress of their training.
“He struck me as a very positive and respectful individual,” Hefty said. “He was a rising star for the future of the department. My prayers go to his family and Chief Anderson and the members of the department.”
Hefty said the department is reviewing its options when it comes to the next step with the canine program.
Kitelinger, who is from Beloit, was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2012 and from Black Hawk Technical College’s Police Academy in 2014.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
For full coverage see the June 15 print edition of the Burlington Standard Press.
UPDATE: Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Daley Murphy Wisch and Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home
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