Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I never got the opportunity to know Matt but my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family, friends and his family at Harriman Police Dept.

Cpl. Teresa Smith
Loudon County, Tn. Sheriff Dept.

October 3, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Love,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

October 2, 2004

Matthew was, is, and forever will be, our nephew. Words cannot describe the hole left in our hearts with your passing. We do not pretend to understand why you were taken so soon, but we know God has promised that 'all things work together for good for those who love the Lord'. We love Him and hold on to that promise. The last family get together we had we were supposed to stay at church for homecoming but we came to the family event instead. We are so glad we did for that was the last time we saw you, the last hug we gave and received. We know you are watching over us and now walking with Jesus. What a privilege! and what a privilege we have had in knowing you. We love and miss you terribly.
My Guardian Angel
When angels walk the earth
They guard you unawares
To keep you safe and happy
Part of your life they share.
But sometimes they come to bring
Love in a special way
God allows them to be known to us
And live throughout our days.
But angels are very special
And when their work is through
God calls them back to heaven and says
"I have a new job for you".
Look after those you've come to love
They need to feel you near
They're saddened that you've gone away
So your purpose now is clear.
I've met my special angel
He's my guardian now you see
For my angel's name is Matthew
And he's watching over me.

Uncle Brad & Aunt Marsha

October 2, 2004

I worked with Matt at Harriman. He was the kind of guy that could make you laugh on your worst day, even better, he could make you laugh at yourself. He didn't go into the job to draw attention to himself. He never said "look at waht I did." Matt did the job because he liked people. He liked helping people.
I have attended several Officer funerals in my tenure, but never for someone I knew or someone that I have worked with. Never someone that I have entrusted my life to. It was one of the low points of my life. Matt will be missed more than he could have ever imagined.
To his family: I love you all and pray for you continually. To the officers of Harriman Police Department: You lost a brother and a friend, I sympathize because I know your hurt.
God will provide the healing in his time.

Godspeed Matt...I miss you...Well Done.

Officer Brian Farmer
Metro Knoxville Airport Authority

September 27, 2004

My first memory of Matt was when I spent a couple nights at his parents house (being his oldest sister's good friend), and the whole time he was trying to impersonate me. He got into my bag and put on my clothes and also tied a bandana around his head like mine. When his sister told him to take my shirt off, he did, but sat there the whole night half naked. Every time I visited his home I looked forward to playing basketball or joking around with this kid who made me feel important by the way he seemed to look up to me.

In saying all this, I can't help but wonder how many people, kids, etc., looked up to Matt as he grew up and matured into a man but retained his child-like heart. Rest assured, Rittenhouse family, that Matt impacted people in many great ways. Too many, in fact, to write down.

You are obviously missed, Matt. It was good to see you at the wedding this past June. I wish we could've played one more game of basketball.

Jeff Hurst

September 27, 2004

The members of the Royal Palm Beach Police Department wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, coworkers, and friends of Officer Matt Rittenhouse. He has fought the good fight and has now gone to his reward. Many of our brothers and sisters are gone, but none are ever forgotten.

Sergeant T. E. Murphy
Royal Palm Beach, Fl. P. D.

September 25, 2004

When I think of Matt Rittenhouse, the words big brother, clown, friend, and love are the first that come to mind. I met Matt through his little sis Jessica, and he quickly became a friend, too. He was a protector of his sisters as well as his community. I think of all the times in study hall when we weren't supposed to talk, but Matt was always sending notes or making faces to make me laugh. The Rittenhouse family is a wonderful, loving family and are loved and respected by the whole community. I love all of you guys, and I pray that God will give you comfort. I know Matt would want us to laugh when you think of him, even though now many hearts are weeping. Matt, you are loved and missed.

Becca Lamance-Stout

September 25, 2004

To the family,friends,and other officers.I 'am so sorry to hear of your fallen officer.Our town is still in trying to recover from the death of Police Chief Sheridan Caton July 11,2004.I'am sure officer Matt Rittenhouse will be missed in your town also .Officer Matt rest in peace . Continue your patrol on the streets of heaven .God Bless you and your fellow officers. From Becky friend of Chief Caton pennsylvania

Becky

September 24, 2004

To Ofc. Rittenhouses's family and friends. Although he is gone, he is not forgotten. He is in the prayers and thoughts of the MI State Police. Rest well Officer, you served you community and county well.

Trooper Denis McGuckin
Michiga State Police

September 24, 2004

To the Rittenhouse family, during this time of loss, you are in my prayers. I can not imagine what you are feeling during this time, but I do know that God said that He would never leave us or forsake us, and He will not leave you now. For Matt, my dear friend, when I heard of your accident my heart fell.The loss of a friend is never easy. During the past few days I have reflected over the good times we shared during the time we knew each other, the times we had each others backs in the jail and on the road. During raids, we said "GOTCHA BACK" brother, you are watching all of us now. You will be missed but certainly not forgotten, you never forget a friend.
See you later.

Lt. Gary W. Nelson
Kingston P.D. TN.

September 23, 2004

You are in our thoughts and prayers. Police Officer Matt Rittenhouse gave the ultimate sacrifice protecting the members of his community. You now walk a beat where there is no violence, only peace. See you on the other side.

First Sergeant Salvatore Torelli
Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, VA

September 23, 2004

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. There is nothing anyone can say at this time to help you, I wish there was. The only thing that help me was knowing that Clint loved being a police officer and would not have traded places with anyone.
Officer Rittenhouse your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you. Look Clint up for me tell him we miss him...

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

September 23, 2004

Matt, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!
John 3:16

Ret Officer RB WAde
Richmond, VA Police

September 22, 2004

Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
concerned citizen

September 22, 2004

Matthew Rittenhouse was my little brother. From the time he was small he searched for adventure- he wanted to be part of something exciting and something good. Becoming a police officer was an obvious choice. And he was good at it. Better than we ever knew, because he never bragged. He was outspoken about his adventures, but quiet about his good deeds. Most importantly, he had a good heart. A sweet spirit inside a big man. He made the world better- and we miss him.

Jenny Rittenhouse Guinn

September 22, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Matt Rittenhouse.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

September 22, 2004

Thank you for your service. You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

September 22, 2004

I pray that your family and friends fine comfort in the heart felt reflections left on these pages by your extended Law Enforcement family. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming. Go rest high on the Mountain!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

September 21, 2004

I have known Matt since he was 5 years old. He always wanted a career in law enforcement. He looked forward going to work each day to the Harriman Police Department. Matt loved his work, his community, his friends/co-workers and his family. I am heart-broken because he was taken away so young. "Uncle Bill"

Bill Hyden
Metro Nashville Dept. of Finance

September 21, 2004

I lost my partner the day after christmas in 2003. I certainly know and understand how all feel in this tragedy. Support each other along with family and friends. May God Bless all and keep you safe.

Trp. G. Sanders
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

TRP GARY SANDERS
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL

September 21, 2004

Hi....we would just like to say we will miss you! you were a very generous friend. we had lots of fun at central even though we only knew you for 4 years.you always had a smile on your face every day that would bighten up anyones day.in a world of trouble. well,we know that you are gone but still in heaven smileing down on us. but,always remember you have a special place in all of our hearts.


Love, Andea Eldridge & Kristin McNew

Kristin McNew and Andrea Eldridge
HMS

September 21, 2004

Matt,
hey bud i know i only knew you for 4 years but you were such a great friend. When I heard the news that You had gotten killed my heart was filled with hurt and disbeleif. I mean i never pictured in my mind that i would be getting ready to go to your funeral. i cant beleive that you are gone i mean you were so nice to us kids and there wasn't anything you wouldnt do for us. I know you are watching over us and you are with us with everything we do. i hope you like the poster we made you, but i wish you weren't dead so we didnt have to make it. you dont know ho wbad we miss you. just your presents could make a person feel like million bucks because you made everyone feel sjo great by just saying hey. i want to give all my sympathy to the family of Jesse Mathew Rittenhouse and i hope you guys will be ok.

Love,
Kayla May Turner

p.s maybe one day i will pick up football matt. srry i never played it while u wee alive. luv ya

kayla may Tuner
Hms Student

September 21, 2004

May God bless your family, friends and co-workers during this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God, welcome home another hero.

Jimmy E. Bartley
Beaumont, TX Police Dept.

September 21, 2004

~The Dash Between The Years~

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning ... to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the "dash" between those years. (1900-1970)

For that "dash" represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our "dash".

So think about this long and hard
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.


And be less quick to anger,
And show our appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your "dash"?

September 21, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Matt Rittenhouse and the Harriman Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Matt... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman and Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

September 21, 2004