Wis. Police Mourn Sudden Loss of Officer

The Burlington, Wisconsin Police Department is mourning the sudden loss of one of its officers.

Officer Tanner Kitelinger died Friday morning, likely related to issues as a result of diabetes, with which he was diagnosed at age 12, according to The Journal Times.

"Officer Kitelinger will be greatly missed," Burlington Police Chief Mark Anderson said in a statement.

The 27-year-old officer, who joined the department in 2015, just started patrolling with a K-9 Zander on May 7.

Mayor Jeannie Hefty, who had developed a friendship with Kitelinger as the city's K-9 program was being reinstated, said she was "heartbroken and devastated" by the news.

Funeral arrangements are pending.