Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brother Salmon,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

December 6, 2005

Matt, it was an honor and a privilege to be your classmate in the 98th Cadet Class. It was pride and honor I felt when I heard you won the Medal of Honor for doing your duty as written in the Call of Honor. It was with great sadness that I heard of your loss, but I know only the best patrol Heaven's streets. I also know you protect us still by watching over family, and friends. God Bless you and your family.

Karl L. Harig II, Trooper Retired
PSP

November 6, 2005

I also didn't know Matthew Bond personally but I drive I-90 everyday and was touched by the cross with continous flowers and wreaths. I recently became more curious when I realized that that part of the interstate was named after him. I am sorry to his wife and family for your loss. His dedication to his job and fellow man is apparent even in all of these reflections. What a true loss in a great human being. I want you to know that I say a prayer for him everytime I pass that site on I-90.

God bless you all.

Laura S.

June 15, 2005

Matt,
In May, I traveled to Washington DC with close friends to add our fallen "brother" Richard Meyer(EOW 11-13-03)to the wall. As I was riding the bus from our hotel to the Capital,your mother sat next to me. Your mom talked about how successful you were and how you loved to joke around. One story was how you would turn your squad in for maintenance w/ the trip gauge reading 007. I never had an opportunity to met you, but please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Deputy William Tedlie, Jr.
Outagamie County Sheriff's Dept., WI

October 6, 2004

March 30, 2004
It's always sad to come to this site and read about the law enforcement
officers who have given their lives serving the public. Here in Whatcom
County, WA we too lost a young deputy named Matt who was 27 and
had served for 5 years and left a young wife, too. It is so sad because
they sacrificed so much and missed out on so much of life. I am thinking
of all those left behind who loved Matt and dearly miss him. May God
comfort you in your sorrow as you turn to Him. Cling to His promises
for He is faithful and loving to all seek Him. Eph. 2: 8 & 9.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

March 30, 2004

Dear Matt:

In two weeks, It will be your mother's birthday, and 10 months since you left us.  In some ways the time has flown, in others, it has been agonizingly slow.  We miss you so much.  Your mother's heart is still as wounded as it was in the beginning, and so is Val's.  You have seen many distressing things happen to them in the last 9 1/2 months, and each painful incident must cause you sadness. They both know how much you love them and that knowledge helps them to keep going.  You were such a wonderful, caring little boy and you grew into a wonderful, caring man. We are so proud of you. With much love, Uncle Harley & Aunt Barb

Barbara H. Lyttle

Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers in the past few months.  I really appreciate all the support from the Pennsylvania State Police and from the community.  I still feel a little overwhelmed when people tell me they watched Matt's funeral on television.  It is a nice feeling to know that so many people care.

Matt touched the lives of so many people.  I know that he would be embarrassed by all the fuss made over him, but he would also be proud.  I know that he is watching over me everyday.  I will continue to be strong and make him proud.  Thank you, again, for all of you support, prayers, and well wishes.

Shelly Bond
Survivor

Dear Matt,

Almost three months have passed.  The reality of your accident has become more real as each day passes.  I miss you so very much.  Things happen every day that I want to call and tell you about.  Funny things that only you and I would see the humor in.

Reading these reflections makes me happy.  I think of how some of these people don't even know you yet they hold the upmost respect for you.

Matt, I just want everyone to know that you were the finest man God placed on this earth.  Your intelligence, personality, wonderful sense of humor, and compassion for all mankind will never be forgotten.  So many awards and scholarships are happening for you.  It really makes us proud.

Well brother, you know I love you.  Mom and I wonder if our hearts will ever stop aching from the pain.  Please watch over us.

Love,

Val

Valerie L. Bond

I worked with Matt for only a short time, but he became a good friend and a person to admire.  He risked his life for others and was the kind of Trooper we all wish we could be.  I miss you Matt and wish you could be here with us, you will never be forgotten.  Shelly, you are one of our family and we will all be here for you.

Anonymous

Thank you, Trooper Bond, for your service and dedication to the people of your state and the obvious positive impact you made on those who knew you. With much respect from the members of the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

Trooper William D Allison,II
North Carolina Highway Patrol

I never met you or your husband, but I want you to know that I grieve along side you.  I know now that no one grieves the same, but for me I have learned that remembering all the good times helps.  My husband was a Trooper for Indiana State Police, Trooper Jason Beal.  He was hit by a car on January 12 '00 and passed away January 15, a day before his 25th birthday.  He had just completed one full year in December.  We were married August 1, 1998 when he was at the academy - we're expecting our first child June 30.  It's a little boy, he wanted a little boy so badly.  I found this out after his funeral.

I take comfort in knowing that he was doing what he loved.  Believe it or not, I was very envious of him because he came home every day with the biggest smile on his face, loving his job.  I came home complaining.  There is so much that I miss about him, but the love and passion for his career as a trooper has to be at the top of my list as to what I miss most.  The gleam that he got in his eyes when he put on his uniform is indescribable. I know that his spirit lives on in others, just has your husband's spirit lives on.

The men and women who work each day, risking their lives and giving their lives, to better their communities are our heros.  I respect and honor these people very highly.

Anonymous

Although I never knew Tpr. Bonds personally, this tragic loss has really hit home to every trooper in Pennsylvania.  At Tpr. Bonds memorial service the support from other police departments from around the country & Canada was amazing and touching.  As I looked around at the numerous officers & troopers, I couldn't help to notice tears for their fallen brother.  Our prayers go out to the family & to Tpr. Bonds wife and to the fellow troopers that worked with Matthew at Troop "E" in Erie....  St. Michael watch over us all.

Anonymous

We lost a fellow officer and friend, Ofc. Les Keely, on September 24, 1999 in an automobile accident, when his cruiser was hit by another cruiser driven by an officer from another jurisdiction during a pursuit.  We too have been through the pain and suffering of a law enforcement death.

Trooper Bond died as a result of his dedication to helping those in need.  This is a true testament to his character.  The entire law enforcement community grieves with you and shares your loss.  The Flint Police Department sends our sympathy and will keep Trooper Bond and his family in our thoughts and prayers.  God Bless.

Anonymous

Trooper Bond,
Was one of the nicest Troopers anyone could ever meet. His humanity, sincereness, all out attitude at any scene was the best.
I have worked with him on a few occaissons at Accident Scenes and so forth. Trooper Bond was always willing to give an extra hand when needed, has is sadly missed by all within the Harborcreek/Erie Pa area.
Godspeed with you Matthew.

Dave Lightner EMT/FF
Harborcreek FD

Rest in Peace Brother....you are not forgotten

CPD

My deepest sympathies to the wife and family of Trooper BOND. I am very proud of who you are, how you lived and how you earned the love and respect of those you crossed paths with.
May God hold you in a special place and watch over your family forever brother....................

Trooper - Troop M
Pennsylvania State Police

to the family and friends of trooper bond. i never had the chance to meet matt, but from what i have read about him, i wish i had. i was not able to attend the funeral, but my prayers and thoughts are with matt and his family. matt was a dedicated man who loved life and job. he received several awards for doing a job that is so thankless. but i just want to say my brother in blue, i thank you for your commitment to loyalty and may you rest in peace. gods speed to you and your family.

Patrolman Tony Costa III
Swissvale Police Dept. ( pa )

I had only met Matt on one brief occassion. Matt was in the academy class after mine and was stationed at the adjoining barracks to mine. Matt died just over a year after my father and co-worker, Sgt. Arthur L. HERSHEY died in a line of duty accident. Dad was the first PA Trooper that died in the line of duty in nearly ten years. After Dad's death, I had hoped that we would make it another ten years without losing another co-worker. I remember hearing of Matt's death and calling my Mother to let her know. It was a very sad time and a familiar feeling.

After Matt's death, I had the priviledge of meeting his wife, Shelly. I had the distinct honor of escorting Shelly to the wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service in May of 2001. Shelly is a very special person. She misses her husband, Matt, more than words can describe. Shelly, please know that Matt will always be with you and he will watch over you. God bless.

Tpr. Bradley E. Hershey - Survivor
PA State Police - Bedford

I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper. A soldier of the law. To me is entrusted the honor of the force. I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty. It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed, or condition. It is also my duty to be of service to anyone who may be in danger or distress, and at all times so conduct myself that the honor of the force may be upheld.

My brother, your memory goes on with the fellow Troopers who recite and live these words.

The Pennsylvania State Police