Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I just found obout Officer Mata's death on September 19, 2000.

My profound condolences to his widow.

I've loved the LAPD my whole life.

Sharon Leigh Garner
Santa Cruz, CA

Private citizen
I live in the jurisdiction of the Santa Cruz P.D., which was founded i

January 18, 2023

Hi Bobby,

Just leaving a reflection and thinking back on our time working Southeast. You will never be forgotten. RIP my friend

Sergeant Jerretta Sandoz
Lapd

May 29, 2022

Robert, so many years and yet it still seems like yesterday. It seems like yesterday that little “Bobby Joe” was running the streets, it seems like yesterday that our kids were playing in the pool together, it seems like yesterday since you’ve been gone. We miss you!

Steve
Family friend

September 19, 2021

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 19, 2020

PO II mata, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 20, 2020

Responding to help your brothers and called by God way too early. I was at your funeral. I know you have kept watch over brothers still down here doing what is right. RIP.

Deputy Sheriff Los Angeles
County Sheriff

September 19, 2019

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 21, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

September 19, 2017

I just found out about your passing from another shipmate. You and I served together in the Navy and I never knew what had happened to you. Rest in peace my brother. Never forgotten.

MA1 Christopher Nichols
US Navy

May 26, 2016

Killed going to help his brothers. True hero. Always remembered. Always missed. Never forgotten.

Bob Baltera
LAPD Retired

September 19, 2015

Twelve years ago you made the ultimate sacrafice. I remember your funeral. So many brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement came to show their support to your beautiful family. I pray that your family continues to be blessed with the strength to make it through the most difficult times. RIP Officer Mata. We are truly missed.

Officer Garcia
LAPD

September 20, 2012

Bobby

We can't believe its been 12 years since one of the worst night in our careers. We think about you, Holly and the kids often and know you are watching over them.

RIP brother and know that you are missed.

K & C Coleman
LAPD

September 19, 2012

Officer Mata, I came across ur resting place one day while visiting another fallen brother. I did not know you but recall your death. I stop by often and leave you a flower and say a little prayer. RIP in peace brother, you are not forgotten.

D3
LAPD

September 19, 2012

Bobby Joe,

I cannot beleive what I am reading. My sister and I just found out that you past away. You were my best friend growing up on Boer Ave in Whittier. I now have children and reading all these comments from loved ones hurts my heart. I now have two children, just had my daughter two weeks ago, and it is so sad to think they lost their father. I am so glad that I got to meet you and had so many positive years growing up with you.

My prayers go out to the Mata family. He was a wonderful person and I know he is looking down on all of you. I look forward to seeing you down the road.

Alex Medina and the Medina family

..
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August 16, 2012

Rest in peace, Officer Mata. May God give your family peace as well.

CIVILIAN
LAPD

December 5, 2011

Rest in Peace, Officer Mata. Your sacrafice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 22, 2011

Holly,

I was one class behind you at LASD and I remember when Robert died. It was a real shock to all of us and I remember thinking how you were able to pull through. I read your reflection a lot and can't help but realize how fragile life is. I now have children and the thought of leaving them behind scares me. I think of you and your family a lot and I hope time has helped. God bless you!

Fellow officer

April 28, 2011

I came across your gravesite while visiting Van Johnsons. I did not know you but your were a "brother." I shared Van's flowers with you. Rest in peace, I hope your family has found some peace as well. Thank you for your service.

D3

February 9, 2011

I remember the times we worked together in the Harbor and the weight we lifted in La Mirada. I know you still ride with us today, and your still under those weights.

Keep doing the Lord's work, and I will see you again Brother.

GB
LAPD

July 14, 2010

Rest in peace my brother, looks like we got on the Job at the same age...keep an eye on all of us from your beat in Heaven....

Policeman
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue

July 3, 2010

Officer Mata - I was part of the team which planned and carried out your funeral at Rose Hills. I got to know you best, by working alongside your family in the aftermath of your death. Your girls were quite precious. It will soon be ten years since that morning. We arranged for a Botswains Mate, that day, to "pipe you aboard."

I remember your mom telling us about how when you came home from the Navy, you told her she wasn't washing and folding your tee-shirts, shorts, and socks, "correctly" she smiled when she told us that right then and there, she quit doing your laundry. I believe you were buried with a toy PT Cruiser, as the real ones hadn't hit the mass market yet and you wanted one.

Thanks for your service to our nation and to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 20, 2010

I have lived everyday of the past 9 years remembering you Bobby Joe. You were a brother to me and I miss you. You were the best friend anyone could ever ask for and I will cherish those moments. You will live on in my heart forever.

David D.
Friend

September 23, 2009

Robert You will never be forgotten. Derrick, Ronnie and I will always keep you in our heart. Your parents miss you dearly!

Police Officer FTO John Sanders
Irvine PD / Former LAPD/ Academy Classmate

September 19, 2009

Not a day goes by that I don't remember you. Your kids are the spitting image of you..! You would be so proud of them. You're always in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lis

Anonymous

July 29, 2009

A friend, a husband, a hero, a father, a man of greatness. Today I came by ODMP...said a prayer for your family and remembered you.

Thank you for your service. Never forgotten.

Laura
Philadelphia, PA

April 15, 2009