Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Mrs. Rittenhouse,

I checked my brother's page on this, his 2nd anniversary, and found the lovely note you left for our family. We know, only too well, the pain your family must be feeling as September draws near. I will remember you today, and say a prayer for your strength as I have seen my own parents' grief and for your two daughters, as my sister and I have a bond that strengthens us.

May God bless you and give you peace that only He can give.

Lisa K.

Lisa Kralik
Sister of Officer Jonathan Walsh EOW 8/20/04

August 21, 2006

Matt, your thought of so often, your smile and sense of humor are missed so very much. In alot of ways I see you through your friends, you made an impression on so many lives, and for the mark you left in my life, I thank you!
I pray for peace and joy to rest upon your family.

Angie
friend

August 19, 2006

I found a very sweet poem today and I thought of you as I often do. Linda, this is for you too..

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why.

My heart aches with sadness
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to know and love you,
everyone you touched will know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
to remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you will never ever be forgotten,
I pledge to you today-
A hallowed place within my heart
is where you will always stay.

I love you my brother..

Bea

August 16, 2006

Dear Linda:

I was thinking of you and Matt today as I was posting some reflections for families who recently suffered the same tragedy that befell our families. When I read your most recent reflection, I started to cry. Sometimes it is so hard to make sense of things anymore and a part of me wants to push all my other responsibities aside and just hide from the world. Then I hear my beloved's voice telling me to get it together again so I do. When our lives have been graced with sons who had such a passion for life like Matt and Larry, it is hard to feel that passion when their glaring absence tears at our heart.

The trial also has such a stranglehold on our lives as all plans have to be made around it. We are on our third continuance and the trial is now set for the first week of January.

In Washington, I asked you if you were going to the parent's retreat. I hope you have decided to do that. My understanding is that you are allowed as little or as much private time as you want.

Love to you and Jessica and the rest of the family. I am sending hugs from the West Coast to Tenn.

Your friend,

Phyllis

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

August 15, 2006

Hey Matthew!!! It's been a long time! I just found this website today, actually (nice pitcure, you look so handsome)! I was talking to my dad, and wondering when it was, the anniversary of the day we lost you. I couldn't remember. I remember getting the news though, I was shocked, how could this happen?? It was my dad, who told me, "Matthew was in a car accident" he said. "Is he going to be okay?" I asked him. Then he told me that you had passed away, and I cried. I think of you a lot...I miss you. I know it sounds strange, as we only knew each other for a short period, but you are the kind of person one never forgets. I will never forget you. I remember the time, we went to Atlanta for Barry's wedding, (I have pictures of me carrying you on my back, all 115 pounds of me.) then we met your whole family somewhere in between your house and Barry's, and we went to the Cracker Barrel...I'm using the restroom, and suddenly I hear a familiar voice over the intercom...it's you, welcoming everyone to the Cracker Barrel, and thanking everyone for eating and hoping that they've enjoyed their meals. That's my favorite Matthew story...Then there's the time we all went to Dollywood, and we all got in for free! What a blast! I miss you Matthew! I will check in from time to time, just to say hello.

You have forever left a stamp on my heart.

Love,
Rachel

Rachel Chally
Friend

August 14, 2006

Hey Baby Boy,

It's Sunday afternoon, still always one of the worst days of the week to get through. The sadness just weighs on me. I sit on the swing and close my eyes pretending I see your patrol car pull up into the end of the driveway and you get out and start walking up to the house with that sauntering walk of yours. I didn't go to church today, I just needed to be alone for a while. Chief Joe and his precious family left yesterday morning after spending a few days with us. I remember I used to wonder what in the world you would be like when you were 40. I think a lot like Joe. He told us stories of when he was a younger officer and some of the things he and his buddies did and I would sit and look at him now, so responsible, so still loving his job , and think of what you would have been. He would hold little Joe and Kelly in his lap while he talked and I would picture it being you. It was wonderful having them here; I find myself always wondering now what would be happening in our lives, what would we be doing with our life, if the accident had not happened. Because everything is always seen, experienced, judged, and lived through the fact of being without you here now. I try to remind myself of how deeply and wonderfully you loved and honor you by living up to my commitment of wife, mother, ma,......other times I want to scream until by heart finishes breaking just so I can see you again. A lot of changes are getting ready to happen and you know how I hate change, so I am having to fight getting all panicky about it since there is nothing I can do about it.
I love you Son, More than the World, Forever and Always.

Momma

Momma

August 13, 2006

Hey man, been awhile since I have been on here. I know you are just as happy as we are that we have a new sheriff, landslide victory, bout time too, just wish you were here to celebrate with us. We are all thinking about you and love you.

Love,
Kasey

Kasey

August 4, 2006

My heart aches that you are no longer here to make me smile. Will I ever quite missing you, Never. You are always with me and I love you. I pray for your family and I know you are watching over us.

Jama

August 4, 2006

You are so loved, so missed, so a part of everyone's life that were blessed to know you. Did you know, do you know, what you meant and mean to us and the world?

GF
Harriman

August 3, 2006

"HE WAS"

Not a badge or a uniform, not a flashing blue light,
Not a faceless, nameless, officer, not a siren in the night.
He was......

He was his mother's precious baby, he was his father's loving son
He was his sister's favorite brother, he was a friend to everyone.
He had a life that had a meaning, he had a future that was bright
He had a neice and nephew he lived for.......
He had a job that took his life.

Not a badge, or a uniform, not a flashing blue light,
Not a faceless, nameless officer, not a siren in the night.
He was.........

He was his mother's precious baby, he was his father's loving son
He was his sister's favorite brother, he was a friend to everyone.

He never called himself a hero, just an ordinary man,
But there were things that he believed in, and a need to take a stand.
So he lived each day with courage and he prayed each night for strength
And his life must now be measured by its depth, not by its length.

Not a badge or a uniform, not a flashing blue light,
Not a faceless, nameless officer, not a siren in the night,
He was.........

He was his mother's precious baby, he was his father's loving son,
He was his sister's favorite brother, he was a friend to everyone.

A friend
Harriman, Tn

July 29, 2006

I love you more than the world.

July 13, 2006

Matt,
My Dad rode for you with the Police Unity Tour in 2005. Since then I have become really good friends with your family. In a few weeks we are going to visit them and will go see your memorial by your department. I wish I had known you as I know your family now.

Kelly Clark
Chief Clarks Daughter

July 1, 2006

Matt,
I think of you often and keep in touch with your Mom and Jessica. I never expected when I rode in your honor with the Police Unity Tour that I would meet such a wonderful family. That this blue wrist band I wore with your name on it was about to intoduce me to such a warm and loving family. So in a few weeks my family and I will be heading out to Tennessee for our first visit. Jessica spent a few days this year with us before the Unity Tour ride and was a hit with everyone. My daughter Kelly cannot wait until she gets to see Jessica again.

Chief Joseph F. Clark, Jr
North Caldwell Police, NJ

July 1, 2006

Mrs. Rittenhouse,

While on vacation this week, I met the officer from New Jersey (Chief Joe Clark) who rode for your son in the Police Unity Tour. His family said that they have a tight bond with you and Jessica and that you are both very special. I checked my husband's page today and found that you had written a note. Thank you for thinking of us and for your kind words. Things are still very difficult here, as you can relate, and we miss Mike just as much today as we did shortly after he died.

I only hope that Mike and Matt are watching over us together and that those of us left behind can help and comfort each other in tough times. God bless you and your family.

Denise Wise

Denise L. Wise, surviving spouse
Michael H. Wise, II, Reading PD, EOW 6-5-04

June 30, 2006

Bro, I wish you were here (duh, what a freakin understatement)...I miss you (again, quite understated...)...I love you...
your little sis

June 30, 2006

I love you.

June 29, 2006

Matt,

You were over at the house to hang out on the lake our senior year - maybe it was the day you wrecked the jet ski =) You left a pair of your jeans there - I don't know if you knew this, but I still have those. Don't ask me why I never threw them away or gave them back. No clue - but it's been 10 years and they're still in my closet. Every time I walk in there, I see them up on the shelf and I think of you. Maybe it's silly, but I can't seem to give them up.

Perri J. Morrell

June 27, 2006

Matt,

Everyday something reminds me of you, and I think back on all the memories we have together. You were an amazing friend. I don't think I will ever meet anyone who will understand me the way you did. I love you.

June 19, 2006

Matt,

We went to DC this year and I saw you Birthday card on the Memorial Wall. I also ran into your sister, Jenny, at the wall and we spoke briefly. I hear your other sister did rather well riding in the Unity Tour. Remember, you will always be a Hero and a Guardian Angel to your Brother's and Sister's in Blue.

Cpl. Teresa Smith
Loudon County Sheriff Dept.

June 19, 2006

Matt,

I was sitting here at work looking around my office for something to do and there your picture is and so many memories came to mind so I had to stop what I was doing and just have a moment for you. I miss you dearly and hate that you never got to meet my husband and soon to be father of our first child. I hate that in Nov. I will have my first baby and you are not here to share that joy with us. I will never forget all the crazy things Kacey, you and me used to do and all the memories. You were always like a brother to me and I do really miss you. I miss hanging out in the flower shop and anywhere else we found to just hang out and talk. Thank you for the friendship and the memories. I love you and miss you.

Jennifer Cronan
Friend

June 12, 2006

To Matt's Family,

"For GOD alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from Him.
HE alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On GOD rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in GOD."

We will always remember Matt, his goodness, and his strength.

We pray your wonderful memories will bring some peace and comfort until you are all back together again.

A Friend

June 12, 2006

i have wanted to leave this reflection a thousand times, but the words just never seem to capture what i want to say. first of all, thank you matt, for your unselfish service and passion. without men like you, i don't know where we'd be. no one realizes the danger and the sacrifice you boys make every single time you step foot out the door. to your family, especially your mom, your love is obvious and everlasting. i know it never gets easier, but i do hope that you find some peace and comfort in talking with others, remembering matt, and knowing that you will see each other again someday in that great big blue sky. ms. linda, thank you so very very much for the messages on cole's page. you've left a couple and they always mean so much. such a simple gesture, but it always brings me to tears and to my knees when i realize how blessed i am to have people who still remember and who do understand the reality of this new life without our officers. thank you times a million. you are so very loved and prayed for.

jessi garger
cole martin's fiancee
chatsworth, ga p.d. e.o.w. 4.25.03

June 4, 2006

To Matt thanks for your service and dedication. My dad loved this job and from what your mom wrote you did too. I am a fellow brother in blue currently and love it just the same. I know you, my dad, and all of our fallen brothers are watching down on us. Untill we meet on the streets of gold. Bryan Laurie

Matts mom, thanks for the reflection it really means alot to me, and my family.

Bryan Laurie Son of Fallen Officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04

June 4, 2006

At the U.S. Capitol service this year, when "Go rest high on that mountain" was sang, I thought of the countryside the day Matt was laid to rest. It was a time to reflect on all of our brothers and sisters who left us too soon. To Matt's mother..Maam, know that we will never forget. We will always pay honor and tribute to his life and service. I pray God will hold you near to him and grant you and all that love Matt the peace to make it through each day. May God bless you and keep you all until the day that you see Matt again.

Blount Co. S.O., TN

June 4, 2006

Linda,
Thank you for your post on Tara's page. Washington was truly amazing. Our nation is the greatest nation and Law Enforcement is the greatest family.
We too had a very difficult May. Tara's birthday is May 19, just a few days after returning from DC. The local County had a Law Enforcement Memorial and vigil that night. It was beautiful and also very difficult. I will lift you and your family up in prayer.
You can learn more about Tara and how she got involved in Law Enforcement from her website, taradrummond.com. I hope that your June is more comfortable than May.

Brian Drummond
Kennesaw GA Officer Tara Drummond EOW 9-13-05

June 1, 2006