Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was scrolling through the names in my Nextel, the other day and made it down to Matts name. I instantly was reminded of what used to be an almost everyday occurence.
Matt at one point was a School Resource officer so he knew pretty much when the bells at the school rang and when the halls were full of kids.
I am currently assigned to one of the schools in the city, and I always had my Nextel on speaker phone.
Matt being himself, almost everyday would wait until one of the breaks between class and use the Nextel two way and say something that would completely embarass me or something so completely off the wall that kids would stop and look at me funny.
The next thing I would hear was a goofy laugh coming from my phone.

919
HPD

January 13, 2005

It seems like only yesterday that we stood in my kitchen on my wedding night talking about married life, police work, family and things we have done since getting into law enforcement. It don't seem fair that you had to go. You have left with a lot of good memories. I will never forget the the way you would always joke and cut up, mocking the way I walked, the things I said and things you called me. It seemed like every time I turned around you were there either working overtime on patrol or helping Kris with narcotics. It's impossible to replace you because the mold was broken when you came along. Everyday I think about some of the crazy stuff we did. Most of all I will never forget the night of September 16, 2004 @ approximately 2300 hrs the phone rang while sitting downstairs opening presents with my wife. I knew something was wrong because I never got calls that late unless something was going on at the police department. Sergeant Whitson called and said Matt was in an accident. I immediately grabbed my keys and told my wife that I had to go because Matt was in an accident I could tell by Jarod's voice it was serious. While driving from my house to the scene hundreds of things went through my mind, being an Asst. Chief you always worry about the people you work with. I arrived at the scene within minutes of the accident. I ran down to Matt's car where Officer Graham and Sergeant Whitson were standing and crawled up next to the window, never have I felt so helpless in all my life. I knew then the Lord had already been here and took Matt to a better place. It sometimes make you wonder why it had to be Matt. It's really hard to put into words what it's like seeing someone you work with lose their life at a very young age. I still everyday think about the Rittenhouse family and can't begin to imagine the pain they still continue to go through. I know that Matt loved his family very much. Matt would tell me about going by his mom and dads house to eat and visit since he had his own apartment. Matt would also talk about his two sisters, telling people they were already taken and to stay away. Matt, I will never forget you and I will always cherish the times that we had. I will always be there for your family and keep them in my prayers so you don't have to worry, we'll take care of them. I'll see you when the Lord comes calling. In the mean time keep it safe up there.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peace makers

Assistant Chief Tim Phillips
Harriman Police Department

January 13, 2005

Sometimes it's easier to write the words that I can't seem to speak without having my voice waver. Matt's mom once said she didn't want anyone to forget Matt. Forgetting Matt is impossible. I went to Matt's accident scene to reflect and the Contemporary Christian song "Dancing with the Angels" came on, just as I had put my vehicle in park. So, of course, I cranked up the radio and instead of singing along like I usually do, I just listened. It was like this song was written just for Matt. There's a few lines in the song that really hit home, that says "you have love for family, love for all people, love for the father and son," and, "your heart will be heard through your unspoken word, through generations to come." So whenever I hear this song, I think about Matt and say a prayer for his family; and everyday when I think about Matt, I think about how his "heart is heard through his unspoken word" and know he'll never be forgotten.

January 12, 2005

Matt, you were one of the craziest guys at the academy. You made me laugh and you always brought a smile to my face. I was surprised to run into you at the bookstore in Oak Ridge that next year when I was just out on a road trip. That made my day. It was so good to see you. It's not fair, is it? How someone like you is taken away while bad people seem to multiply. I know that God had a reason for you leaving and it's selfish to think like that but I will miss you. In all my pictures from the academy, you're in at least half, if not more. I know that we'll see each other again. Until then, rest well. Your family and friends are in my prayers.

Patrol Officer Annette Dungey
Jackson Police Department

January 2, 2005

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear,
For I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
For this is the first Christmas
We'll be spending apart.

I can't tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas
With our Savior face to face?

I'll ask him to light your spirit
As I tell him of your love. So then pray for on another
As you lift your eyes above.

So please let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm spending Christmas in heaven
And I'm walking with this King.

Author Unknown

December 25, 2004

it's christmas eve, and nothing really seems right here. my aunt just brought in a picture of my brother, and i realized again just how much i miss him and hate this world that doesn't have him in it. matt and i would always be the first ones up christmas morning. since he was working at the police station, he would come over after he got off of work...we would still get up just like when we were little and go to check out the presents and he would always tell me what i was getting...even though i never wanted to know. we would talk for a while and wait for everyone else to get up. then we'd all start the day.
but it's hard to even start the day anymore...regardless of if it's just a monday or if it's christmas day. matt and i would talk everyday on that stupid two-way nextel phone. whenever it beeped odds were that it was matt. i miss his voice. his caring. his protection. he always protected us. his girls, my mom, sister and me. never let anyone hurt us and made sure that we always had everything that we needed. i miss him. he was one of a kind and no one will ever really know how special he is...

jessica rittenhouse, matt's little siste

December 24, 2004

TOGETHERNESS
I HAVE ONLY SLIPPED AWAY INTO THE NEXT ROOM
WHATEVER WE WERE TO EACH OTHER, WE STILL ARE.
CALL ME BY MY OLD FAMILIAR NAME.
SPEAK TO ME IN THE SAME EASY WAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE.
LAUGH AS WE ALWAYS LAUGHED AT THE LITTLE JOKES WE ENJOYED TOGETHER.
PLAY, SMILE, THINK OF ME, PRAY FOR ME.
LIFE MEANS ALL THAT IT EVER MEANT.
IT IS THE SAME AS IT ALWAYS WAS.
THERE IS ABSOLUTE, INBROKEN, CONTINUITY.
WHY SHOULD I BE OUT OF YOUR MIND BECAUSE I AM OUT OF YOUR SIGHT?
I AM BUT WAITING FOR YOU, FOR AN INTERVAL, SOMEWHERE VERY NEAR, JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
ALL IS WELL.
NOTHING IS PAST.
NOTHING HAS BEEN LOST.
ONE BRIEF MOMENT AND ALL WILL BE AS IT WAS BEFORE----ONLY BETTER.
INFINITELY HAPPIER.
TOGETHER, FOREVER.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN.

ONE TOUCHED BY YOUR LIFE

December 24, 2004

Matt went to the academy with my wife (then girlfriend). He was a great light and a constant joy during hard times. All his classmates looked to him for a smile when things seemed at their worst. God bless you Matt and may we see you again in Heaven.
Jim

James A Kubic
TLETA

December 17, 2004

Matt,
It took me almost three months to write because I have so much to say, but don’t know where to start… We made so many memories. I didn’t realize the impact you had on me until it was too late. I had so much to tell you starting from how was my day and to tell you what was going on around town and asking you who had you taken to jail today. You will always be my superman during the day and my batman at night. I will never forget you… I thank God everyday for putting you in my life and letting me spend the time and make memories with you… If I never told you, thank you for everything, and I mean everything. You were so special to me and everyone else you had an impact on… I know God has a better plan for you, I think he just needed someone to take care of the people up there with him, he needed a super hero, and you were definitely a super hero..

I love you,
Chasity*

Chasity Johnson

December 14, 2004

Matt, almost 3 months have gone by since you were taken away from us all, it seems like just yesterday that I left the apartment to head to work and said goodbye to you for the last time. When I got the call that you were pinned in your car I thought, what I'm sure everyone else thought, it's Matt their gonna get him out then you'd be home. I even drove to the crash site and just had a calm feeling like you were ok because you're Matt, Superman, nothing could happen to you, but then I got the call that you were gone. But, I have no doubts that you are in Heaven doing God's work, I miss you and I love you, you're still my boy.

I love you,
Kasey

Kasey Mynatt
KPD

December 14, 2004

Matt was a good police officer, a good person and a good friend...He never failed to put a smile on your face..One night my partner and I had got off from work and wanted an ice cream...We pulled into the drive thru at McDonalds..Matt was in front of us placing his order..We start blowing the horn and yelling at him to hurry up..We ordered our food and continued to aggravate Matt..He was spot lighting us and yelling back at us...He got his food and pulled up and stopped..holding a McDonalds bag out the window of his patrol car..When we pulled up to the window...The cashier said "Matt has your food" I asked the cashier why he put our ice cream cones in a bag? The cashier got all tore up...He started yelling at Matt not to leave..Then he went running outside to stop him..See Matt had asked to the cashier to give him our food...He was going to get us...But the cashier had accidentally gave him the peoples food behind us..We got our ice cream and laughed all the way home....

Matthew you are deeply missed! Please watch over and guide us all! God Bless You!

Annette Stubbs
Roane Co. 911

December 14, 2004

I've wanted to write for awhile now, at first I couldn't, then I didn't know what to write, but I knew I wanted Matt's family to know that there are ALOT of people out there that Matt touched. I wanted to add my reflection to all the other touching and funny ones I had read. Matt and I worked together at the Sheriff's Dept when He and I were both just getting started in Law Enforcement. Matt was a corrections officer and I was on the road. Matt would call me on his off nights wanting to come in and ride with me. He'd call early (sometimes waking me up) and say "don't fill my spot I'm riding with you tonight." As soon as he got in the car he would say "lets go get into something!" That sums up Matt about as well as you can! He always wanted to be in the middle of the action. Matt let me borrow his car last year during the christmas parade and he rode his bike in the cold, he was just like that. It was that same bike that he used to pass me as I was struggling to run up Pansey Hill during our 5K run, of course he aggravated me the whole way up the hill! It seems like just yesterday that we all were at Bob's having a burger during a break in training. Memories far to little and far to short. The day we layed Matt to rest I was downstairs of the church getting something to drink, several other officers were around and as I put the cup up to the despenser it blew coke all over me. A small smile came over a few of our faces at a very sad time. Then one of the other officers made the comment that I bet that was Matt trying to get you wet, because you know if he were here he would have tried to do something like that to you. We all smiled a big smile then and agreed. So that is how I am going to choose to remember Matt, whenever I get sad and heart broken I am going to remember the practical joker, the generous heart, the good times, and then I am going to smile a little smile, because that is the way Matt would have wanted us, with smile on our face. We won't forget you brother, watch over all of us till we see you again.

Chris Massengill
Harriman Police Dept.

December 5, 2004

Dear Matt,

I was copying the roster listening to the call that night praying without knowing who, that all was well. I will never forget when I heard it was you, a friend someone I had long talks with and shared many smiles and laughs. All I could think of was Dear God please let him be ok. But God had other plans. He needed a bright flower to light up heaven and you were the prefect choice.

We all miss you and your stories, your smile, your sense of humor (I'm a little tea pot).
There was no one like you, I love you and miss you daily.

From your spot looking over Harriman watch us and guide us to one day be with you again.

Lavada Vance Corrections
Roane County Sheriff's Dept.

November 29, 2004

Matt, thanks for the laughs in the short time I knew you... I count that time as golden and I shall never forget you... I rest in the assurance that you are watching my back as I carry on here and you patrol the streets of heaven...

Deputy Sam Harvey
Roane County Sheriffs Dept

November 23, 2004

The “Officer Down Memorial” is one thing that we have up in the Kansas City Police Academy. It’s actually on the opposite wall where my locker is. It was brought to the class’s attention today by my class coordinator that someone on that wall had the same name of an individual in our class. Of course I was thinking, “What are the odds?” Classmates were coming back to me after break telling me that it was my name on the wall. Reading into it, it’s eerie how similar things really are beside the name. I too have been called the “gentle giant” due to the fact that I’m 6’7”. I’m roughly a year and half younger than he was. I believe I have the same goals as Matt, to simply try to make a small difference in a world only police officers can see. After reading the responses left by friends and family, I only hope that this Matt Rittenhouse can live up to be such a stand-up and admired person. I will continue to work hard to become part of the brotherhood of those in blue. My heart goes out to the family of Matt, and remember what God says about peacemakers…….

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

Entrant Officer Matt Rittenhouse
KCPD

November 4, 2004

Matt, you don't know how many times I have thought of that night when we were dispatched to come help. I have never in my life felt so alone and helpless. But, I know in my heart that there was no other place you would have wanted to be. I know that there is a reason for everything, and just like we talked about under the bridge that night we all have to be ready, and no regrets wheen the time comes. Matt, I know you were ready, and even though things seem hard for us right now, I will never forget you my friend and I know the city will never forget the service you gave them. Until I get to see you again Matt, watch over us, and help us when you see us in need.. Chaz...

K-9 PTL Charlie Graham
Harriman Police Dept.

November 1, 2004

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

October 25, 2004

Matt...
Your family means the world to me. Thier love for each other is... in a word... amazing. I thank God that you had the chance to live a life in thier presence. Your dedication to them will be a reminder of how I should live among those I love. Your dedication to your job will be a reminder to your friends that protection comes at a high cost... and one that you were willing to pay. You have not only left us with memories of you... but the legacy of you. You will be missed... you will be admired... and you are loved.

Tres Wyatt

October 18, 2004

Matt,
It's been a month since you've gone and it seems like only yesterday we were talking about where we were going in life. Sometimes there will be someone key up on the radio and I have to stop because it sounds just like you. As much as it hurts to think that your gone it gives me the same amount of joy to know that someday I'll see you again and have one of our talks that always left me smiling. We miss you everyday and love you forever.

Dispatcher Amanda Redmon
Roane Co 911

October 17, 2004

It has been a month now, my baby brother. And I know that you know things are not any easier for us with you gone. But I see you, Matt. I see you in the magnificence of the sunsets- I see you in the greatness of the mountains- and I feel you in the wind each time it blows past me. And I thank God for you, because I know it is in these ways He is reminding me of your love. That even in the hardest moments, love will bring us all together again. So we are each doing the best we can, Matt. To love God and each other and always, always you.

Jenny Rittenhouse Guinn

October 16, 2004

Matt is my nephew that I love very much. He was, as his Grandfather Rittenhouse said, "A gentle giant." Thirty-one years ago my sister, Matt's mom, gave me a book titled "To See a World in a Grain of Sand". Long ago, I circled the selection "The purpose of life is not to be happy-but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make a difference that you lived at all." Matt was only 25 when he passed from this life, but he made a difference. After talking with friends and reading hundreds of cards, it appears he made a difference in the lives of more people than anyone realized. You see, Matt didn't boast or even talk about people he had helped along his way. It seems, he was wise far beyond his years. You are missed, Matt. Your humor and hugs can never be replaced. We think about you daily and wonder what Heaven is like. I'm sure you have made your presence known through a practical joke or two.

"The road of life winds on, and we like travelers go
From turn to turn until we come to know
The truth that life is endless...

I love you Matt. Give Granny a bear hug!

Aunt Marta

Aunt Marta

October 14, 2004

Matt Rittenhouse was a wonderful man. When I found out he was becoming an officer, I could think of no profession more fitting. He knew he was meant to serve others and to set an example of excellence and strength. Matt had a heart of gold. Even though he no longer walks among us, he will continue to watch over all those he knew and loved just as he did when he was alive. To his family, friends, and department-my prayers are with you all.

Amy Butt McWilliams
Macon, GA

October 8, 2004

Matt Rittenhouse was a wonderful man. When I found out he was becoming an officer, I could think of no profession more fitting. He knew he was meant to serve others and to set an example of excellence and strength. Matt had a heart of gold. Even though he no longer walks among us, he will continue to watch over all those he knew and loved just as he did when he was alive. To his family, friends, and department-my prayers are with you all.

Amy Butt McWilliams
Macon, GA

October 8, 2004

Memories Are Treasures
No One Can Steal
Death Leaves A Wound
No One Can Heal
To Some You May Be Forgotten
To Others you Are Of The Past
But To Those Who Loved And Lost You
Your Memories Will Always Last

Matt I'll always remember the 10-86 on Henderson and our talks at Riverfront. You touched a lot of lives and you will never be forgotten.

October 6, 2004

I was one of the officers that went to the accident sight where Matt was. Our Chief Stockton was there and he came to me and told me not to leave the sight without Matt’s badge. His badge was somehow missing from his uniform. Members of the Harriman Police Dept., Rescue Squad, Hwy. Patrol, Harriman Fire Dept. and others spent hours in the pouring rain looking for it. It was not to be found. We waited for them to move his vehicle to see if his badge might be there. It was not. I called the Harriman Utility Dept. to see if we could borrow a metal detector from them because we would not leave until it was found. I just happened to look down and found a shiny penny on the ground. I immediately thought of the story they had just read in my church the week before. This is the story…..THE PENNY… Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She causally mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says."

She read the words "United States of America."

"No, not that; read further."

"One cent?" "No, keep reading."

"In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?"

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

Immediately, I knew I would find his badge. Approximately 6 inches from the penny was his badge. It was under a chunk of grass that had been ripped up like a piece of sod and laid back down. We had all walked over it for hours in the rain. Coincidence? I think not.

Major Benny Joseph
Harriman Police Dept.

October 5, 2004