Harriman Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Thursday, September 16, 2004
Reflections for Police Officer Jesse Matthew Rittenhouse
I love you.
Momma
March 12, 2011
I read an entry written by your mom on another fallen officer's memorial wall and came to see yours. It is obvious that you were a very loved young man, and it hurts my heart to think of the suffering of your family.
As a mother and a police officer myself, I cannot imagine ever being without my kids, or my kids being without me. Your mom is obviously a strong lady...probably where you got it from.
My thoughts and prayers are with all who love and miss you. RIP brother.
Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada
February 24, 2011
Well, the holiday I love to hate is over.....honestly it went very well (other than daddy being so sick he could hardly stand there and put the roses in the vases) but they were spectacular as always and everyone stepped up and got it done. Josh said at one point gosh Aunt Linnie you're still in a good mood :). The huge space that is you will never be filled but your guys were here still helping deliver and give me a hug. I talked to you before I started the day and just asked you to be with me and keep your arm around me and you did. I love you son that's what the day is really about, all of us being together. I know you are amazed at Jenny, I walked up front at one point and she had like 12 different orders in both hands and was answering the phone and waiting on people ALL with a beautiful smile.......what can I say.........my kids ARE AWESOME!!!!! Jenny, Matthew, Jessica you are the valentines of my heart for always and forever.
Momma
February 15, 2011
hey matt...i miss you. that sums it up.
jess
'lil sis
February 11, 2011
Matt,
I'm so sorry I have been by here lately. I am absolutely crazy stressed with the wedding planning. BUT..I'm almost done and I have 92 days left. I was thinking of you the other day when I went through Harriman. Thinking about all the places you'd hide to get behind me, run my tag, and the Nextel me while dispatch was reading my tag back to you. You were always silly like that. I miss you a lot.
I'll try not to be away too long again.
Amanda Redmon
January 28, 2011
You were a great SRO. The kids always looked up to you. You are not forgotten in this town or county. Saw your mom the other day.....you are always in her heart.
Anonymous
January 21, 2011
Dearest Son,
Leaving 2010 behind, the years are just numbers that don't don't much sense anymore. Sometimes I find I have written a totally random year on a receipt form and I kind of shake my head and laugh at the craziness of it all. Every day is a day unto itself....one that holds you and all the precious times past, present, and yes, future of us as a family.....always-to borrow from the girls-fiercely connected.....NOTHING will EVER sever that wondrous gift that we were given of each other. I love you more than ever.......to eternity and beyond.....send me a hug tonight.
Momma
December 31, 2010
As 2010 ends, our hearts carry you into 2011. I know that in the year to come, you will bring laughter to my heart in those tough moments as you have the past 6 years. Give my mom a hug and remind her how much I love her...and please, show Trooper LeCroy around his new heavenly home.
Amy
December 31, 2010
Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this Christmas Holiday. I know that tonight you will be the main topic of conversation of Christmas' past. I will have the Blue Light on in my window should you want to drop in for a short visit to hear some of our stories about my son, you are always welcome. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.
Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Matt, thought about you during the Reach shopping night at Wal=Mart....one of your favorite times. I don't know who was more excited, you or the kids!!
You are always missed.
Anonymous
December 24, 2010
My Dearest Son Of my Life,
Another Christmas Eve here at the shop......already.....how in the world does time continue to go on like it does. I shake my head in disbelief, then in the same instant I remember you climbing up the ladder to decorate the top of the 12 foot tree for me, sweat pouring off of your face and one of your teachers walking in and laughing and shaking her head to see you up there. Next, the time you and Jenny went out to deliver together (what was I thinking?) and you were gone forever BECAUSE you not only fought at every delivery stop on who would get out of the car and take the flowers to the door, but you also saw Santa on the the side of the road and had to stop and get your picture taken with him. Or the year we caroled to some of our older, shut-in customers, just us five.....a precious memory of my precious children.....and now you see how Ethan and Ella have joined us with gusto complete with Elf Hat and Reindeer antlers and nose. I felt you right beside me at every house we went to and your arms in every hug that enveloped me.
I was thinking the other night that I seem to be getting "sillier" as time goes by......and that you approve. You continue to bring so much to my life that is you and you alone. The amazing love, caring, laughter, and acceptance that you brought full force into my life is something that can never be taken away from me. I will be forever grateful that I was given the gift of being your mother. I love you Matthew. Merry Christmas
Momma
December 24, 2010
Please tell Jess that her hair is just fine- not that I've seen it yet, but she will believe it if it comes from you. When I picked you up for Sarah's wedding you said your hair was WAY too short and looked bad- I told you your hair looked just fine, but you didn't believe me either. Nobody trusts my hair opinions... Send the message right to her heart tho- because that's the only way to get her...
I love you.
Jenny
December 17, 2010
Sooo...yea, Mom's like the Snow White of Tennessee, with her cute deer and bunny rabbits that visit her backyard, nibble on Dad's fruit trees, and just generally radiate adorability. I, on the other hand, can only stake a claim to dead lizards under my desk and nasty fat rats that have taken to eating my popcorn and creating irrational fears of a rat king attack. At least your friend attempted to come to the rescue last night. I love you bro, and I KNOW you're laughing hysterically at me.
Jess
'lil sis
November 16, 2010
I love you, I miss you. I do the crazy things I do for you....(and Karen :). I just know you were shaking your head and laughing at us last night....Karen said I was laughing so much it was more like a crazy house than a haunted house. As long as I can still laugh I can make it til I see you again Baby Boy.
Forever and Always I love you.
Momma
October 29, 2010
Hey bro...are you noticing how many people named their children "Anonymous"? Haha...the party on Sunday was incredible...I believe you were looking down on us. I held my own against Jason and Richard, huh? You were probably behind me and kept me from being bulldozed...or maybe our fighting in our younger years just made me tough. Anyway, I love you so much...and not a second goes by that I don't miss you. You continue to be the best brother a little sister could hope for...
Jessica
'lil sis
September 21, 2010
Just a note to you and your family to let you know that I'm thinking about you and remembering your sacrifice.
Carol Espinoza, Mother of Isaac Espinoza
September 20, 2010
Thanks for the extra boost today so Ethan and I could win!
Karen
Harriman Police Department
September 19, 2010
Hey Matt, can't believe it's been 6 years. But as I sit here typing this, it's raining outside and I remember that night all too well. Driving there, I remember how hard it was raining, the wind was blowing and all the time in the back of my mind I never would have thought it would have been you. I do miss you my friend, and think of you often. See you soon buddy..
Anonymous
September 16, 2010
I miss you right meow and always.
Anonymous
September 16, 2010
Remembering Matt on this 6th anniversary of his passing. Thank You Mr. And Mrs Rittenhouse for all you did for Susie and Will in Michaels memory, as well.
Lt. Teresa Smith
loudon County SHeriff Office
September 16, 2010
Matt,
I cant believe it has been six years. I still remember everything about that day. I remember you dropping by the house and I was walking back from the kitchen and being startled when I rounded the corner. I remember you sat there and we talked while I ate dinner. I never would have imagined that that would be the last time we would talk to each other. I often think about what crazy things we would be getting into if you were still here, or how you would react to things going on now. Sometimes I can hear you laugh or know what you would say in a certain situation. You can still make me laugh. I miss you brother.
Anonymous
September 16, 2010
Matt - No matter the time or the distance you will always be remembered by your family and friends. We pray and extra prayer for you family today. We pause a today as we do often to think of you and your crzy antics. You can never be replaced and will never be forgotten. We miss you buddy...
Deputy Chris Massengill
Roane County Sheriff's Office
September 16, 2010
As the years go by this never gets any easier. I cant remember a year since you left us that it hasnt rained on today. I know that you keep an eye out for me each day. Your memory lives on in all of us. I miss you brother, keep us safe.
Jason
Harriman Police
September 16, 2010
Matt,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your family. I find myself laughing alot at some of the silly things we've done as police officers while working at Harriman. Things have changed, I am no longer the Ass Chief as you would call it. I work at RCSO as the Chief Deputy and wish you were here to be a part of our team. You will always remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office
September 16, 2010
Matt, Six years is a testamony to you and the reflections we all can see here.You are truely a special person and loved so very much.
My son is your age and I cant relate to the loss your family knows.
I know you find ways to touch them still.
Be at peace.
Anonymous
September 16, 2010

