Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

4 Years....WOW.... It don't seem possible. I just want your family to know they are not alone today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. You don't find many people in this ole world today who are as caring and sincere as Jess & Linda Rittenhouse, but you already knew that.

Troy & Lisa Wright
Kingston PD

September 16, 2008

Thinking of you on the 4th anniversary of your EOW. 7 years ago on the 13th
we lost a Whatcom County deputy in a vehicle accident. Some of his fellow
officers were so distressed, they left the force. But your Dad joined it. What
fortitude! You have an amazing family, Matt and I'm sure you were pretty
amazing yourself. Sorry for your loss. With love from one coast of America to
the other.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

September 16, 2008

You are so many things to me. My little brother. My "big" brother. You continue to be the wonderful and irreplaceable uncle that my kids were meant to have. They deserve to have you be in their lives and they do. You are just as here on this earth as we are... you've never left us. We are in each others hearts forever. We ARE each others hearts.

No time could ever make the pain go away- the pain that comes from not being able to hear your words or hug your huge shoulders. But we do our time knowing that you are only a second away and that you are well. And I miss you. More than anyone knows. The kids miss you, we talk about you every day- but not with a sadness mostly. Usually it is how you are or who you are or just in casual ways which is how I know you would rather it be.

Those yellow jackets almost got me. You just couldn't let me have my moment. Thanks for reminding me that life is for living, for remembering, for doing. It's hard to feel poor me when yellow jackets are flying up your pants. I cry for you- for all of us. But then I live. Because you live. And THAT, like love, is forever.

Jenny Rittenhouse-Guinn

September 16, 2008

Dear Matt,

I feel compelled this year to leave a posting, even though it has been four years. I remember me and Chris having lunch with you at Bob's after one of your inservice training days (the one you were hitting Stooksberry with the board)!!! I know more about you now than I did when you first started riding with Chris at ths S.O. You have brought so many people together, friendships that might have never been through your passing. You have such an incredible and strong family and I admire them more than words can say. The memorial looks amazing, nobody could have done a better job than your mom and dad. Your family and friends love and miss you more than ever!

Alisha

September 16, 2008

Today seems like just yesterday.
Linda, Jessie and family, am thinking about you today.
I know all the memories come back of that day, what you were doing, who you were talking to, the last time you talked with Matt. All of those memories come rushing back and you live it all over again.
I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen you and give you courage to go on.

Lorraine

Anonymous

September 16, 2008

You and your family are in my prayers today. I pray that your memory will sweeten this day forever. May peace, love and joy be with you Linda. Iwalu

Pat Caruth
Mother of Jeremy "Jay" Carruth EOW 2/20/03

September 16, 2008

It doesn't seem possible that 4 years have gone by. Sometimes I can still hear your giggle. Linda and Jess you're in my thoughts and prayers.

former HPD officer

September 16, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones today for I know the heaviness they feel in their hearts every day and even more on this day. You will always be remembered by those who love you and the Blue Family will not let you be fortotten. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and wrap your wings around them and protect them from harm. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten.

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

September 16, 2008

Well, Matt it has been 4 years that you have been gone and I miss you soooo much. I miss seeing your smile and hearing your voice. Just one more run through the parking lot would be so sweet!!!! Just know that I love and miss you.

Bea

September 16, 2008

To dearest Matt and his mother Linda and all of his loving family:

Linda, I know that today you have a heavy heart for this is the anniversary date of the day your lives changed forever. My heart aches for you and you are in my heart's embrace. Anyone who has ever read one of your reflections knows that there is no end to a mother's love and that it is there for all eternity. We cherish our beloved sons and their memories, and long for the day all of our loved ones can be together again. Until then, we soldier on the best that we can. Linda, I am proud to call you my friend.

I hope that you find solace today in your wonderful memories of your splendid son. Rest In Peace, Matt.
You will be forever missed and forever honored.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

phyllis loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 16, 2008

I can't believe it has been 4 years since you left us. Feels like just lastnight we were all at the hospital, you are missed so much and loved by so many people here. Yours is a legacy that will live on forever, you can never be forgotten. BTW, I wrecked and prob. totaled my car the other day, I am sure you were watching and got a good laugh out of it when we all came out of it ok, all the guys are still ragging me over the video of the inside of the car when we got hit, pretty funny stuff.

I love you and I miss you, you will always be my best friend.

Kasey

Kasey McKeller Mynatt
Harriman Police Dept.

September 16, 2008

Matt, I love all your family dearly. I know today will be hard for them as is each and every day. The memorial is awesome! I already took a peek, I had no choice...your mother can be very persuasive as you and your sisters already know. You are remembered today and always.

Karen
Harriman Police Department

September 15, 2008

Just wanted to stop by today and let you and your family know we are thinking and praying for all of you. Tomorrow is your 4th birthday in Heaven, and I know your family misses you even more today. Matt keep watching over your family, and keep sending all those signs. Let Clint know we miss him and love getting all the signs from him.

I still think of you everyday, I have your picture that your Mom sent, it will always have a place in my living room along with Clint's.

Matt you and Clint get together and send a smile our way.

Connie Barker F.W.B. Fl.
Mother of Clint Walker Prattville Al. E.O.W. 1-14-04

September 15, 2008

Remembering you and your family at this anniversary time. Thank you for your service and dedication to keep us safe.

Carol Espinoza, Isaac's Mom

September 13, 2008

Daddy and I went to the Blue Knights 9.11 Remembrance Motorcycle Run this morning in Knoxville. He spoke about C.O.P.S. and did such a great job, I was so proud of him. They gave me a standing ovation.....just because I am your momma.....even death cannot take that away. We stood at the front and waved them all out onto the highway. It's such an amazing sight.....that huge flag.....all those motorcycles.....all giving us a wave, a smile, a thumbs up....

I love you Son. Always and Forever.

Momma

September 6, 2008

I am so selfish--I want you here so badly. You are in the most amazing place in the world; you smile and sing (beautifully) for all of eternity. Yet, I want nothing more than to have you here. I feel so lost and so confused, and I know that you would know exactly what to say. My heart is broken, I have lost hope, I feel purpose-less. Even though we went through a very rough patch- we were beginning to get through it when you were taken from us. I know that no one else could guide me and love me through the pain and healing like you could. Please ask God to send me someone to help me through. I miss you---we all miss you. I think of you often---your smile, your laugh, your compassion, your love of life...you are a hero!

Anonymous

August 28, 2008

Jenny, Matthew, Jessica
All I ever wanted was to be a mother
Jenny, Matthew, Jessica
I was given the gift of being YOUR mother
Jenny, Matthew, Jessica
Always and forever I love you and thank God for you.

Momma

August 27, 2008

I need to hear you say "settle down,mom" and that everything will be ok.

I miss you so much.

Momma

August 24, 2008

I was in Washington this week and stopped by your name on the wall. I wanted you to know that we said a prayer for you and all your family. Thank you for your sacriface Matthew and thank you Linda for your special heart. EOW 4/25/03 Mother of Cole

Anonymous

August 24, 2008

Linda ~

I see your reflections everywhere on this site - you are such a wonderful person and an amazing mother - you are always willing to offer support to others and I hope you know how much it means. Your words are such a source of comfort and strength.

Your son is also not forgotten, nor is his sacrifice. His memory lives on in the hearts of others. I hope the encouragement you give to other survivors finds it's way back to you tenfold.

With warm thoughts,

Carin E. Sollman, widow
Officer Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

August 11, 2008

I was in Washington last week and went to the National Law Enforcement Memorial and left a rose in memory of Matt.
Thinking of you and your family today.

Lorraine Bond

Anonymous

August 4, 2008

Well son, the jury deliberations start in the morning. I felt you so strongly today while I sat there listening to closing arguments and being with the Jones and Brown families. Such strong families, heartbroken, but strong. I am SO proud to be a law enforcement family. I am SO proud to be your momma.

Always and forever, to eternity and beyond, I love you.

Momma

July 25, 2008

Just stopping by to say hello to you..

hope you and daniel are hanging out in Heaven.

I hope you are doing okay Mrs. Rittenhouse! I think of you often.

Love,
Jessica Bankston (Ruhl)
Dan Starks EOW 10-25-03

Anonymous

July 15, 2008

Hey Matt
Well i had the pleasure of working with your Dad for a few minutes the other night. I was told a Harriman officer needed a Kingston officer in Midtown. So here i go, and MAN talk about dejavu. There's your dad with a slightly intoxicated person who was needing a ride home. As i was transporting her all i could think about was when you called me and said you had a guy that needed a ride home could i meet you at Pattersons. When i got there it was the town drunk(well one of the many) that needed a ride home. I said ohhhh you soooo owe me one for this, and all i got was that Matt chuckle, and that Matt grin as you drove off. All i heard from him was hey hey hey man you think Washam will make me a reserve. You'll put in a good word for me won't you. LOL!!!!!!! Dads wasn't anywhere as bad as your, but he still owes me :)

Troy Wright
Kingston Police Dept.

July 14, 2008

You wrote your name on a paper and
I accidently threw it away.
You wrote your name on my hand,
and I washed my hand.
You wrote your name in the snow,
but the snow melted.
But when you wrote your name in my heart,
there, it would always stay!!
Love and miss you always....

Bea

July 9, 2008