Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Son, My life,

Once again it's Christmas Eve and I'm closing the shop down. Thinking of you, missing you, wondering how another year has already passed and we are still here without you. Nothing changes how much we love and miss you, we just move through the days doing various and sundry things. Some meaningful, some not, but we keep going, feeling you beside us, behind my shoulder, smiling at us, looking at me from your picture that I only have to raise my eyes to see as I sit here typing. The love will never change and neither will the pain until I walk into that big hug that only you can give. I love you baby boy, more than the world, forever and always, to eternity and beyond. Thanking God for the Gift of you.

Momma

December 24, 2008

I know you see what is happening down here. Would be nice to have you here to have your perspective. No bull, tell it like it is, confident in how to handle things. Miss you buddy, every day.

M.B.
Kingston

December 23, 2008

heyy Matt!
Merry CHRISTmas!
=]
im sad that ur not here 2 celebrate it here with us, but
its a good time of year, & 2 remember the real reason 4 the season...JESUS CHRIST!!
ok bye. =]---<

Olivia Hardie
little cousin

December 22, 2008

Dearest Linda (Matt's Mom),
Thank you so much for your heartfelt reflection on my husband's ODMP. It truly means more than my words can convey that I (we) haven't been forgotten within the survivor community. Sometimes, after many years go by, it's easy to feel like it's been a certain amount of "time", and I should be moving "on", whatever that means. It is so remarkable that you are upholding your son's memory and how amazing his life was the short time that he was on this Earth. I can clearly see how close the two of you were, through your reflections to him although I never met either of you. God Bless You and may God uphold you with his strength and love through your times of grieving and loss.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

December 21, 2008

Officer Matt Rittenhouse,

Just wanted to leave a note and let you know I was thinking of you and your family. I passed your parents business and saw your little Christmas tree decorated with blue lights and red, white and blue christmas ornaments. I know they miss you terribly, but they show such strength to the community, they are a blessing to us that were fortunate enough to know you and miss you too. You are never forgotten 920. I know you are still watching over your family and all of us.

God bless you and your service.

Merry Christmas.

citizen of Harriman

December 12, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones during this holiday season. I know every day is a challenge for your loved ones but it is especially hard during this time of the year. Continue to keep watch over all of them. I have decorated the outside of our home in all blue lights and one of those lights burns brightly in your honor. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

December 3, 2008

Matt

Thinking of you and your family, especially your Mom. another sad holiday passed without our beloved sons except for their places in our hearts which belongs only to them.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya.

December 1, 2008

Officer Rittenhouse,
We never met on earth, but we are connected by the bond of law enforcement. I am honored to display our department patch on your memorial board your mother is finishing for your department.

May you rest in peace. We walk your beat for you now.

Fellow Brother Officer
Idaho

December 1, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving Matt, Just wanted to let ya know I was thinking about you and Jess & Linda.

Ptl. Charlie Graham
Oliver Springs PD

November 29, 2008

hey Matt
=D
wats up [heaven!!]
i mean... how is it up there??
i want 2 c it haha
so...
Dnow @ my church was awesome!
i re-dedicated my life, and i feel great!
=]
so anyway
talk 2 ya l8r!

Olivia g. Hardie
little cousin

November 21, 2008

I picked Ethan and Ella up from school yesterday and after asking the number one Ma question,"What did you eat for lunch today", I asked them what was their favorite thing they did that day. Bubby's was that he had 90 minutes to do a test and it took him 15 minutes (sound familiar?) so then he got to read his book the rest of the time, Ella's was that they were talking about Thanksgiving and what they were thankful for, and she told them she was thankful for Uncle Matt, and he died and was in heaven now. Such a very short time on earth with you but you are never out of their thoughts, or ours.

Loving you always.

Momma

November 20, 2008

Hey Matt!
Old buddy, Old pal and 4ever in my heart. <3
I miss you A LOT and totally want u here!!
I mean... I wish you were here
to see me and the rest of our family growing up.
Time is flying by,
& 4 me its going bye way too fast.
I miss you old friend, & cousin.
You were always happy. :)
Schools been great, and not so great but thats just life.
I wish you were here so amybe I could Talk to you, but I know that I will see you later, in Heaven!!!
I'm gently waiting 4 that day.
Have a great day up in Heaven.
Tell God thanks 4 keeping my safe.
We'll,
I've got to jet, So talk 2 you later.

~Livy~ =]
(And I'm 12 now!!)

Olivia G. Hardie

November 10, 2008

Hi Precious Son,

Well my patch project is well under way, I have gotten yours out so many times, just to look at them and touch them, anything that is yours always brings a measure of comfort to my heart and soul when I hold them. (Karen found a police report from 5 years ago and gave it to me when I went in the station the other day.....I could hardly quit looking at your writing and your name (of course, I also could barely decipher a word you wrote!:) Anyway, I am going to add to your patches and display them at the department. I have met so many new friends through this venture, I know you smile on those that help me walk through these days. It is such an honor to be connected to the law enforcement famiy, and my pride in you and the path you chose to follow is as strong as ever. I am so blessed to be your mother.

Always and Forever I Love You.

Momma

November 4, 2008

May GOd Bless your family and may they know others still care. You died serving others when others would not serve. A true Hero!
Sgt. Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Dept.
Bessemer, Al.

Sergeant Hank Edwards
Bessemer Police Department

November 2, 2008

Matt, you have really been on my mind a lot lately. Jack and I drove by your parents house the other day and we were both telling "Matt stories" for the longest time after that. We laughed so much and so hard at times that I was almost in tears! I miss you and wish you were here...

Anonymous

October 31, 2008

Matt...what in the world?

I love you and miss you...

Your Little Sis

jess
lil sis

October 28, 2008

Life is too hard sometimes Son,at least when you were here it was bearable because we were all together. I don't understand, I simply don't understand.

Mom

October 26, 2008

Your Mom's birthday was last week. She was kind of sad, said it was the first birthday she has had since she had her babies that they were all gone on the day. She got cards from ALL of you though and from many other friends that make sure she is never alone. You were a true friend and we will always try to be there for your family.

A Friend

October 20, 2008

I miss you more than there are words for.

Anonymous

October 13, 2008

I know you can see the memorial at the park. What a tribute to your life and the officers that share the wall with you. We promise not to forget you. anyone fortunate enough to have known you could never forget you. Miss you, yes, every day, forget you, never.

Friend

October 13, 2008

Matt,

Just wanted to let you and your family know I am thinking about you today. I find it amazing in the 4 yrs you have been gone how your family and friends have kept you alive in their hearts.When life is cut short we don't understand how good can come from it.God still has big plans for you down here while you are in Heaven rejoicing. What a special man you are to have touched so many people. You already know this but I also think you have a very special family.
God Bless. Carolyn Scott

carolyn scott
StepMom of Deputy Jason Scott

September 25, 2008

Sorry I haven't been here since you're birthday. Life has been so crazy. I wish sometimes that you were here to say what I need to hear to make me laugh and smile. You was always so good at doing that. 4 years seems like more like 10 to me but when I think about that night, the memories flood back like it was yesterday. The 911 call that I had to answer and the words he said....it will always echo in my ears. All of those sounds that night never seem to leave my memory. I miss you.

I keep your picture that your mom gave me on the mirror that's hanging by my front door. Like your keeping guard. Though it doesn't happen as often as it use to, I still somehow look at a clock exactly when it's 9:20 and I always smile cause I know it's you.

Thanks for being my friend in the short time you was here with us. I hope that when it's my time, you'll be one of the first that I see when I get there.

Amanda Redmon

September 22, 2008

Dear Matt, Four years is such a long time but so short too.
I am having an especially hard time this year, i think it is because i'm not there with "the family". Momma,dad,jenny and jessica you are all on my mind and i thank you for the sacrifice you have all made.Matt i still have the bear! I love you brother.

Officer Mark Steinmann
Crossville Police & brother

September 18, 2008

Matt, I thought of you today.. had your EOW on the calandar.
Mostly I thought of how great a family you have in the way they love and memorialize you. I wish I could have known you,but I know you through all I have read.
Peace to you and all who love you.
DTW

DTWilson
an old friend

September 18, 2008

Sweet Son of My Life,

So, I take a deep breath now and continue on. Another Sept. 16 day past, a new year starting. So many people have come into my life because of you, people that knew and loved you, or that have come to know and love you. They share their love and stories and memories of you with me.......keeping me going......giving me strength....helping
carry some of the hurt.

I studied your little baby picture yesterday morning before I even got out of bed. So little you were propped up, but already that little mischevious smile. A smile that just grew as you grew. A smile no one will forget. A man no one will forget. I love you Matthew. I thank God for you and your amazing love that is bigger than time and space and death.

Forever and Always Momma.

Momma

September 17, 2008