Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Matt-

Although I was never afforded the opportunity to formally meet you, I feel like I know you well. I volunteered at a SWAT training that you were present at just weeks before your passing. I went to your funeral when I was cadet officer with Roseville PD. I worked with your mother for several years at the local costco not knowning that she was your mother until after that tragic day. Your fiance's father came to see me when he needed to purchase some plants for his landscaping business. I now work for the Sacramento County Sheriff Department as a bailiff where I run DUI court and daily see people just like the man who selfishly took your life. I see "that sign" every time I drive down highway 65 and am reminded yet again of what a horrible day that was all those years ago.

I was truly amazed at your funeral. I was saddened, but at the same time excited for all those in attendance who got to hear the celebration of life and the hope that is in our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure that many have come to a saving knowledge of our Lord after that service, the conversations that followed, and the example that you set.

I can certainly tell you that your reputation as a wonderful son, fiance, brother in Christ, and fellow officer lives on! Your unwavering integrity and kindness was felt by many, including those you arrested from what I've heard :) and even those you never knew

Although we have never spoken, I feel that I know you well my brother. I look forward to the day that I will meet you in heaven and we finally get a chance to talk.

Your memory is all around and I think about you often. I still get tears in my eyes when I see your mother standing behind the register at costco with a ribbon on her name tag.

Look forward to talking with you soon my friend, you will never be forgotten.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Your brother in Christ and in law enforcement,

Deputy J. Lawrence #1184
Sacramento County Sheriff Dept.

June 30, 2014

Thinking of you today and all that called you beloved and praying for their solace for both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

November 6, 2013

Hey buddy. Can't believe it's been 8 years. Truly can't believe it.

Your memory continues to inspire me my friend. I'm doing my best to hold the blue line strong and continue your legacy.

Officer J. Raphael
Portland Police

October 9, 2013

Matt:

This is always a day of reflection for us. It is difficult to believe it has been 8 years, when, in so many ways, it still feels like yesterday. We all gathered at a wedding of a mutual friend a couple of weeks ago and thought of you. We missed sharing it with you, but knew you were there in spirit.

Please continue to watch over Justin and keep him safe in his law enforcement career. You would be so proud of him, as we are.

Miss you always, our friend.

Richard and Laura Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2013

I visited your final resting place yesterday. I am always moved and totally in awe of the person you are. The words you wrote that are written on the backside of your headstone always move me to tears. I can only imagine how proud your family is of you as you walked amongst us and as you are one of God's angels. God will always bless your family Matt and you are there with Him to feel His love for your family and fellow officers. God bless your family...you are already blessed ...you sit at the right hand of God.

Mother of Contra Costa Sheriff

October 10, 2012

7 years today my brother, and I still can't believe you're gone. It seems like just yesterday I received that haunting phone call.

Your advice, mentoring, and inspirations continue to guide me in life, and now in my career as well. As I embark on my own law enforcement journey, I promise to uphold everything you stood for, and continue on your legacy of excellence.

Miss you my friend.

Police Officer #52780
Portland Police Bureau

October 9, 2012

Matt:

7 years and not a day goes by that you are not thought of. This year, though, is a little different for us. Justin has achieved his dream of following in your footsteps as a law enforcement officer.
We are so proud of him and know you would be, too. Please watch over him and keep him safe. Rest in peace, our friend.

Richard & Laura Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2012

7 Years ago today and it feels like yesterday. I still drive by spots in the city and reflect on calls we handled together at those spots. I drove by the Matt Redding Memorial Softball field at 0100 hrs today to picutre us playing ball there and the ligts had been left on, kinda fitting I gues. Miss ya Brother and I will be seeing you again someday.

E

October 9, 2012

I responded to this incident to provide EMS for Officer Redding. I did not know him at the time, but later learned how loved he was by his family, friends, co-workers, and beyond. Another tragic, unnecessary loss of a fine human being and officer by a drunk driver. My condolences to Officer Redding's family, friends, and fellow officers.

Josh Roten, Fire Captain (retired)
Responded to incident

March 19, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Redding. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 19, 2012

God bless the Redding Family

Mother of Sheriff

October 10, 2011

Matt:

As always on this date we reflect on the absence of you in our lives. It is so very difficult to believe it has been 6 years. So much has changed with us but the one constant is we are without you. You are always on our minds, and we miss you every day. Rest in peace, our friend.

Laura, Richard, & Justin Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2011

I can't believe it's been 6 years, we miss you everyday... I can remember your famous, "What's up kid?" I still wait for you to walk through the doors at the PD. Thanks for always watching my back...You are missed my friend, and you will never be forgotten...

Corp. Gil Farrulla
RPD

October 9, 2011

Realized I missed wishing you a happy birthday and wanted to stop by my friend... Thanks for the help this weekend up with PPB, I know you were looking out for me. Miss you buddy.

Justin
Friend

August 11, 2011

I will always remember Matt's Smile. I was with Matt the night Matt was hit about 2:00 Am on a traffic stop. Matt Had the lights of his cruiser shinning in my eyes. So I told Matt to turn those dam lights off so I could back up. Matt just laughed at me and gave me his big ole Smile. Rest in peace my brother you are missed. I will always think of you and wish I had take the time to know you better. A Tow operator

Tom Carter
Wimberly Towing/ Roseville Towing

August 5, 2011

Matt,

We went to grade school together. I read the other reflections and they sound just like what i remember. You were always smiling. I had the breif oppertunity to work with your dad, and it was one laughter filled trip. When I realized he was your father, I could see the resemblence. He then pulled out pictures of you to show what you have become. He was very proud, and with good reason. I see your name on highway 65 as well almost everyday and think of you. You will be remembered old pal.

old friend
Old Friend

August 1, 2011

Thinking of Matt. I also think that at any given time on any given day someone is thinking of Matt and missing him. That is the kind of impact he made on people. Just a wonderful person. I hope Mr and Mrs Redding know their son will never be forgotten. God bless them and the Rocklin PD

Just a caring citizen

b reyes

July 16, 2011

Matt ~
It is National Police Week in Washington, DC. I'm running on Saturday in your honor buddy!

You and your family are in my thoughts often, and you are missed greatly.

anonymous

May 12, 2011

Matt will always be a hero. He will never be forgotten for his bravery and courage. God bless his family.

Mother of Contra Costa Sheriff and Bay Area Police Officer.

Anonymous

December 21, 2010

God Bless you Matthew. I see your sign on Hwy 65 almost everyday. You left us in body but will never leave us in spirit. I live in Roseville and my son is at the LAPD academy and my daughter is with Customs and Border Protection and we are all very proud of your service. After I read your mothers entry I felt so sorry for her loss. You can never be replaced but you will always be remembered. Your family really loves you as we all do. Semper Fi Brother. Watch over your family and we will all see you someday.....

State Traffic Officer #7185
California Highway Patrol

November 12, 2010

Matt--

5 years. It just doesn't seem possible. As is the natural progression, life has marched on; though for those of us whose lives you touched, it is not better, but simply, different. We will always love you and miss you, and we will never forget.
Rest in peace, my friend.

Richard, Laura & Justin Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2010

October 9th it will be five years since you were taken from us. I will never forget that horrific morning. Terror struck my body as we were on our way to the hospital, not knowing your fate. Your Dad prayed outloud while we held hands. It seemed like an eternity before we arrived at the Hospital. I remember being told that you didn't make it. The pain was so unbearable that I must of blacked out. The next thing I remember is when we were asked if we wanted to see you. Double doors opened to a long hallway with a light at the end of the hallway. Police Officers were lined next to the wall all the way down the hallway. I will never forget the way you looked as long as I live. I took your head in my arms and held you with my face on yours. There is not a day or night that goes by that I don't miss you. My heart aches for you. I'm so proud of you and what you stood for. You made such a positive impact in peoples lives and you are remembered by so many. I'm so proud that your my son!

Marilyn Redding
Matt's Mom

October 6, 2010

Hey Kid, happy 34th birthday, not a day goes by where I dont think about you and what an amazing person you are. Got to know your parents a little better helping with the golf tourney this year and they are the strongest people I have ever met. You will be in my thoughts and I will be with you one day again..

Mike #263
Rocklin

August 4, 2010

Think of you everyday...wish you were still with us.

Anonymous

May 4, 2010

Think about you every day down at the academy. Wish you were still here to be my partner. You're missed always and inspire me constantly. Smile on my brother.

Recruit
10-BR-1

March 22, 2010