Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP.You will never be forgotten by all those that knew and love you.

Anonymous

October 13, 2008

To the family and friends of Officer Robert Mata and his fellow officers in the Los Angeles Police Department:

On behalf of our entire family, we wish to pay honor to Robert's memory on the eighth anniversary of the day he so tragically lost his life. His dedication will be forever remembered and his memory revered.

May you be continue to be comforted by the support and caring of your law enforcement family, and other police survivors. We grieve for you and with you. Our family lost our beloved Larry Lasater when he was fatally shot in April of 2005 during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, so we know the anquish you are still experiencing.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the years of service Officer Mata gave to his community and the citizens of California, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 19, 2000.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg, CA PD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya
mother of Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 21, 2008

Bobby,

The other day I was reflecting back on my time with the LAPD and you were one of the first persons that I thought of. It's been ten years since our lockers were next to each others over at SE and now, as a new father to a baby daughter, it hurts me to think about your family's loss.

I remember your daughters' photo on your locker door and can now understand the love you felt for them. I am sorry we lost you that night.

Anonymous
former LAPD

September 8, 2008

The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 1, 2007

Bobby,
About a year ago I decided to show our 1-96 class video to my kids. Each time you appeared in the video my VCR stopped playing and ejected the cassette tape. You were always joking around and making people laugh. It was 6 years later but you made me laugh again. Thank you for that.
We miss you brother.

Sgt. S. Muirhead
LAPD Class 1-96

October 26, 2007

Having served three different tours in Harbor Division, I know that TC location very well. During my first two tours, I myself on many occasions had to do a "self-check," because of my zeal to respond to various incidents, and realizing that I needed to slow down.

During my third tour, the memory of Officer Mata prevented me from overdriving as I approached the location. I suspect that it always will in any future driving by me near the location.

Rest - In - Peace, Bob.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

September 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Mata's family.

Michelle -wife of retired LEO

April 17, 2007

Mata
i was saddened when i recently learned of your passing. we had great times in hawaii. you were a great spirit... always laughing. my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

old navy buddy

November 2, 2006

SIX YEARS HAVE GONE BY SINCE THE DAY YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY IS DOING AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED. CONTINUE TO WATCH OVER ALL YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN BLUE. YOU ARE OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL. YOU MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRAFICE AND WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A TRUE HERO. REST IN PEACE.

POLICE OFFICER L. GARCIA
LAPD

September 24, 2006

It has been six years since your EOW and you are still remembered and always will by those who love you and the Blue Family. You will never be forgotten as you are a true hero. My thoughts are with your loved ones today and everyday. Keep watch over them and protect them.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon, Gold Star Father

September 19, 2006

Robert,

I can't believe you are gone. I remember all the times you made me laugh. I will always remember the time we went to the movies to see Misery :o). God Bless your wife and girls.

Friend

July 19, 2006

I would like to send my prayers with the mata family. I know it has been couple years since you left and gone to a better place. Officer Mata would always be my biggest motivator and i would accomplish wat i told him i was going to do is to become a Los Angeles Police Officer and work the gang unit and put to work what i learn from him....

im now serving with the 101st airborne in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005-2006

PFC OMAR GARCIA
US ARMY

November 21, 2005

Bro, I remember the day I did your eulogy like it was yesterday. So far besides having kids, it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I know you would laugh about my last comment. I was always the funny one until you came around. You were a riot. As I saluted you on the day of your funeral, I salute you now brother for you paid the ultimate price. There are many times I think of Holly and the kids, cuz my kids are exactly the same age, and how I would feel if I was gone. I know God is blessing them with your help from above. God's got alot of work to do down here, so don't keep him laughing all day. I love and miss you, See you soon, hopefully later than sooner.

Sergant Arenado
LAPD

November 21, 2005

Bobby,
It has been five years when it feels like yesterday that we were training for the DNC at Dodger Staduim. Your laugh and smile were infectious. You were always so positive and easy going throughout the academy and in life. I refelct back on how I was at your house for Kalei's birthday and she could barely walk. I often tell my wife stories about our class (1-96) since pictures of all of us sit on my desk at home. You are one of the nicest guys I have ever met and you were taken for reasons beyond my comprehension. You are missed.

Sgt. 32575
Los Angeles Police Department

November 18, 2005

I'm so sorry you took me and the victim's brother to the hospital that night. If you had not taken us you may have gone home on time and the T/A would not have happened. I never told you what a outstanding officer you were. Thank you for all the help you gave me.

November 16, 2005

I am so sorry. Your silly nature is missed tremendously. My prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace.

Anonymous
LAPD

November 16, 2005

Dear Officer Mata, and his family -

I have never met you or your family but share in thier loss. My fiancee Daniel Starks was killed a year ago in a car accident while on duty chasing a fleeing criminal. I recently visited the Police Muesum in Florida with Daniel's mother, Kathe and we were instantly drawn to the picture that is there by your name. You looked so young, and had a grin on your face that I saw quite a few times on Daniel's face. We knew we had to look you up on the officer down page and let your family know of our sadness that someone so young, and from what I read - so bright had to leave so soon. I know that you have probably met my fiancee up in Heaven. He was working his first night on the road by himself when he was killed. Although he worked for the department for many years, he was only 21. The Lord took him that night for reasons I will probably never be able to accept, or understand. But I know others out there are in the same situation I am. We wanted you and your family to know that we stood at that wall in Forida remembering you, and all that you did to help better our world. Thank you for your service, and I hope and pray that one day I will meet you in Heaven.
All our Blessings,
Jessica Ruhl & Kathe Starks.
Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks
FMPD, Ft Myers, FL - EOW 10.25.03

November 6, 2004

Robert,
my prayers are with your wife and children. Be patient, as you will meet again.. love a former swordsmen

PII Martinez
los angeles police department

July 29, 2004

Some time has passed but the loss is still real and it stings. You are my Brother Officer, we have not met however the loss is real to me and to thousands of others in this nation. My sincere condolence to your family. God Bless them with the truth that God Loves them and you. He has a special regard for his chosen ones who carry his sword. You are remembered.

Senior Trooper Keith Miller (Ret)
Oregon State Police

March 4, 2004

Rob, (02-23-04)
Its been almost 4 years since youve been gone but the pain is the same. I'm married now and I have a little girl now,Leanna, shes 4 months. I wish you could see her. We bought a house too, I remember when you kept bugging me to buy one. I see your dad alot and he plays cards with us. I wish you were still around. Stop by once in a while when Im asleep, even if its just to say "Hi".

Ronnie
LAPD

February 24, 2004

I can't believe it's been as long as it's been... I can still hear you crackin jokes infront of the kit room...bad jokes....ha ha...I think of holly and the girls often. you have the most beautiful kids in the world. Later short stuff

PII Harbor Div
LAPD

January 4, 2004

Rest in peace Officer Mata

Andy

December 5, 2003

WE CAN NEVER FORGET THE SACRIFICES. GOD BLESS ROBERT.

P.O. CARLOS COLON
NYPD

September 2, 2003

DEAR ROBERT,

I STILL CANT BELIEVE YOU ARE GONE. I MISS YOU SO MUCH AND I LOVE YOU. YOU WERE LIKE A BROTHER TO ME,EVRY TIME THE PHONE RINGS I STIL HOPE IT IS YOU CALLING ME. NOT A MINUTE GOES BY THAT I DONT THINK OF YOU AND THE FUN TIMES WE HAD SINCE HIGH SCHOOL. I OWE YOU ALOT. YOU ARE THE REASON I AM A POLICE OFFICER. WHEN YOU DIED, A PART OF ME DID TOO. I HOPE THAT I CAN BE HALF THE POLICE OFFICER THAT YOU WERE. PROMSE ME WHEN I GET THEE THAT YOU WILL MEET ME AT HEAVENS GATE        "I MISS MY BEST FRIEND AND I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU"

I LOVE YOU ROB........YOUR COMPADRE RONNIE

Ronnie Romero
Los Angeles Police Department

Hey there Officer Mata I would miss you so much and remeber the times you came to my house to talk to me. I thank you for giving me a  ride home and also to the Range. When I did not have a ride.. My drean was to work with you SEU and be partners working Harbor Division . So now That You are gone  I would  have a task to accomplish and is to g finish the job you started and you did finish it.But now Im going to brush everything u missed and get bad guys you been looking for. Thanks for making my area Safe and everytime I saw you I was happy. I would also thanks All Crash Officers that are now SEU officers or when to something else or transfer out..That you guys were I big Motivation in my life like officer mata was.. So i say goodbye and rest in peace officer Mate..Dont Worried I would do great job and I wish u were here to see my graduation from the Police Academy...I would always carried your face in my heart..And u wont be Forgotten.

Omar Garcia
LAPD Fmr Explorer