Rocklin Police Department, California
End of Watch Sunday, October 9, 2005
Reflections for Police Officer Matthew John Redding
20 years ago, in the early morning hours, I received a devastating phone call from my very distraught son, Justin. When he informed me of what happened to Matt, I was numb. Sometimes, it is very hard to comprehend why things happen, but one thing is for sure, Heaven truly gained an angel that day and many, many lives were forever altered. Matt was a bright, shining light to countless people. I will always be forever thankful that he touched our lives then and still does to this day.
Peaceful rest, my friend.
Laura Raphael
Friend
October 9, 2025
Always in our hearts, always on our minds.
You are deeply missed.
Laura Raphael
Friend
October 9, 2022
I went to Middle and High schools with you. You worked at my family's grocery store until you went into LE. You were a good kid and a decent man, had the best smile. I got into LE partly because of you. The world is a lesser place without you in it.
J.R. Dispatcher PD/FD Roseville CA
February 27, 2022
Matt,
We just did a moment of silence for you on the air. At 0411hrs., I lit up your memorial sign on Hwy 65 with the spotlight so everybody could see where this all happened.
Take care kid.
Ofc. Dan Groff
Rocklin PD
October 8, 2021
Rest in peace Officer Redding.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 25, 2021
Semper Fi Officer Redding. Every time I pass the location where they have erected a sign with your name I remember that night when you were killed by a person that I hope is still behind bars. What a tragic night that was. You were assisting the CHP and doing what you loved to do. God bless you and may God bless your family. You will not be forgotten.
State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol & US Marine
December 30, 2020
I don't know where 15 years has gone. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. Thankfully, your legacy continues every day, with and in so many people. Please continue to watch over all of us.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Laura Raphael
Friend
October 9, 2020
14 years. Thought of often. Missed always.
Laura Raphael
Friend
October 9, 2019
I knew Matt as the son of our friends, but I also knew him personally when he was working at Bel Air in Rocklin. When he’d see me in the store, he would come up to me just to say “Hi” with that great big smile of his. He’d ask about my family, and about me, and told me he was going to become a police officer. I knew he’d be the perfect guy for that job. He was genuine, caring, and he had all the qualities it took to become an officer. When we learned of his death, it was incomprehensible. It didn’t make sense. It overwhelmed all of us for a long long time. To this day, we still think of Matt often, and remember THAT smile and his gentleness.
You are missed Matt.
Sibyl and Kevin
Friends
January 20, 2019
Matt,
The moment you didn't show up on Sunday night, I had a horrible feeling in my heart. I had heard of the Rocklin police officer accident and refused to believe it was you. You never missed a Sunday. The next day when I heard YOUR name as the police officer who passed away, my world was turned upside down. I still think of you. Sunday nights have never been the same...
<3
Friend
October 10, 2018
You lead the way by how honorably you lived your life. Such an inspiration of who I wanted to be. You are missed my friend.
Deputy Angel Walker
YCSO / friend
October 10, 2018
Matt-
Another year has gone by and that makes thirteen since that night. So hard to believe.
Thinking of you and that fantastic smile.
P.S. - Please keep an eye on my Pops, he’s new up there. I’m sure he’s found you and is talking your ear off!
Ofc. J. Raphael
Portland Police Bureau
October 10, 2018
I think of you often, but especially today. Richard joined you in heaven last Christmas and I'm sure you're sharing all of your police stories with each other.
Please continue to watch down on us, particularly Justin, and continue to rest in peace.
Laura Raphael
Friend
October 9, 2018
I worked with Matt for a few years at Bel Air and he was be far the best to work with. Hardworking, kind, respectful of everyone. I moved on and so did he. A few months before he died, he was at a house across the street from my house, taking a report or following up on something. I was able to speak with him for a few minutes before he departed and he looked so genuinely happy to be doing this job; his calling and I was so proud of him. Months later, when I heard he was killed I felt so much grief and sadness, it was hard for me to face it. As a 35 year old guy that didn't cry much, this did. On the night after his funeral, I had a dream. It was a recreation of that night I saw him on my street. He was in his car, with his big smile looking at me and he was surrounded by a beautiful white light, he was calm and happy in Heaven and he sent me this dream to ease my pain. Even from heaven the guy still cares about us. When I woke up, I did feel so much better. Thank you Matt.
Adam
Co-worker / Friend
June 2, 2018
Rest in peace, brother in blue.
#neverforget
Captain Shannan Moon
October 10, 2017
Rest in peace.
Lt. Jim Russo
October 9, 2017
Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA
October 9, 2017
Another year gone. We think of you so often and continue to miss you.
Laura and Richard Raphael
Friends
October 9, 2017
Rest in peace.
Sgt. Jim Russo
October 9, 2016
I don't know where 11 years has gone. We reflect often on what a void your death has left in so many lives, including our own. Your profound influence continues to help guide and strengthen Justin in both his life and career. He couldn't have asked for a better mentor, nor could we. We will always be honored to have known you.
Miss you.
Laura and Richard Raphael
Friends
October 9, 2016
Ten years.
How has it been a decade since that fateful night? The memory and the pain are still so real. I woke up today struggling to grasp that it's been so long since the world lost such a hero.
As time continues its unwavering march forward I will continue to honor you and all that you stood for. I will continue to cherish the memories I have of you and keep your spirit inside of me. The blue line is being tested more than ever, but it is being held strong by those who follow in the foot steps that you inspired.
You're so deeply missed by so many people. I still feel privileged to have known you and called you a friend and mentor. As your mom said, "Life just isn't the same without you."
Miss you buddy...
Ofc. J. Raphael #52780
Portland Police
October 9, 2015
On this day, we always reflect on your life and the many ways you touched and inspired people. It's difficult to believe it has been ten years.
Your legacy lives on and will continue to in years to come, a statement to the extraordinary person that you were.
We miss you. Rest in peace.
Richard & Laura Raphael
Friends
October 9, 2015
It's hard to believe it will be 10 years on October 9 that you were taken from us. Miss you everyday! Life just isn't the same without you!
Marilyn
Mom
September 23, 2015
Matt:
Once again, it is the time of year when we reflect on your life. Obviously, cut too short, but all of us are better people for having known you.
You continue to be an inspiration to many of us. Please continue to watch over Justin and keep him safe.
We miss you, our friend.
Laura & Richard Raphael
Friends
October 9, 2014
Matt will always be a hero in the heart of many.
Mother of Contra Costa Sheriff
October 8, 2014