Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

20 years - still seems like yesterday. Your kids and grandkids are thriving you’d be so proud of them. I’ll have my annual margarita tomorrow in Your honor and remember the many we shared, and I’ll smile. Trust me you are still very much in all our hearts.

Angie Matteson
Sister in law

October 4, 2020

It’s been almost 20 years since we met. We tried our best to overcome the inevitable. Tony, Randy and I worked so hard while we were with you but it just wasn’t enough. Then and now I have grieved for you, your wife, your children and your friends. You made such an impact on my life and I pray for peace and comfort for your family and your friends. You are not forgotten

Lisa
TRAA

August 15, 2020

I had the previlage to sit next to Brad in the Police Academy. We were paired up in almost all of the traininning scenarios. Due to our last name, our PE ‘#s were next to each other.
He had a very special sense of humor. Due to the witness that he was, it was very clear that he was HEAVEN BOUND!

So Brad It’s not Good Bye, It is see ya in the future!

Lt. Dan Meeks FWPD (Ret.)

LT DAN MEEKS
FORT WAYNE PD

January 28, 2018

LT Dan Meeks, Lieutenant
FORT WAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT

May 4, 2019

I want to continue to keep up on my commitment that I will not write off the past regarding Brad Matteson’s being taken up to heaven!
He is very special and no doubt, he is up there singing HYMNS SUCH AS HOW GREAT THOUGH ART, AND
and many other heart felt songs!

LT DAN MEEKS (RET.)
Fort Wayne IN

September 11, 2018

Brad made so many contributions to his family, friends and community. I am forever grateful to him as he helped me with stalking situation that I had tolerated for several years. One day when I felt extrememly threatened and had to call 911, he heard my address/situation over the radio (he was off duty at the time) and he got in contact with me almost immediately...helping and supporting me to take the steps needed to end an ongoing problem. I am so grateful to this day for him, Susie (and her Mom) helping me during a difficult situation. Blessed to have known him!

Jill Barnabee Downs
Friend

July 4, 2018

I was the medic on Brads call and the son of FWPD officer Tom Falls who was Brads academy class mate and partner. Oh Brad.....I knew you since I was 5 years old. You were so gravely injured this night. I asked god to be with you and did what we could. I’ll never forget seeing your name badge and the memories it brought. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better paramedic. Love you Brad

Tony. Paramedic

May 24, 2018

I was the last officer to see him and talk with him, only minutes before the crash. We were both sent to the RediMed at Maplecrest and Trier Rds. for an alarm.

I arrived first, checked it out and was about to tell Brad to disregard over the radio. He pulls into the driveway on that chilly, misty, foggy night. He rolls down his window and, referencing the weather, said, “ Tonight would be a nice night to sleep.”

I said yup, it would. He quietly rolled away in his squad not knowing he had only minutes to live.

And that’s how it happens. Sometimes, we have no idea what lies ahead.

Ptl. Jerry Mericle
FWPD (ret.)

February 9, 2018

I had the previlage to sit next to Brad in the Police Academy. We were paired up in almost all of the traininning scenarios. Due to our last name, our PE ‘#s were next to each other.
He had a very special sense of humor. Due to the witness that he was, it was very clear that he was HEAVEN BOUND!

So Brad It’s not Good Bye, It is see ya in the future!

Lt. Dan Meeks FWPD (Ret.)

LT DAN MEEKS
FORT WAYNE PD

January 28, 2018

Miss you always!!

Melanie
Daughter

October 24, 2017

Brad, it's been almost 17 yrs. I'm ashamed it's taken this long. I remember you coming to our house (my dads partner) with a stuffed animal for my little brother after surgery. I'll never forget my dads stories about the two of you on the job, especially the jumper on Wells St (I use that line to this day). Brad, I'm sorry I wasn't a better paramedic. I told you I loved you that night in your squad car and asked Jesus to comfort you. I want you to know that Lisa and I held your hand the entire way to the hospital. Thank you for being a great man, a great husband, father and partner. Ft. Wayne was blessed beyond belief.

Tony Falls

August 21, 2017

oh Brad! you know the struggle, you are here with us each and every day. but it makes me feel better to write it down sometimes. I sure miss your steadfast hand in leading this ship, called family. I have some big decisions to make here soon and need your guidance. Love you more than you can imagine and miss you and Big Al! my boys :)

Susie
wife

January 26, 2017

Hard to believe it has been 16 years. RIP, Brother.

Sgt. B. Burton
FWPD

October 5, 2016

Please watch over all of the officers in this crazy world, specifically those riding their bikes around the state these next few days. They need all the protection and help they can get. Also, give Alex, Granny, and Grandpa a hug for me. Love you all more than you know!

Melanie
Daughter

July 11, 2016

You have been coming up so much lately and I am so happy 15 years later I am still hearing new stories about you. I realize more each day how much I am like you in some ways. Missing you always!

Melanie

May 10, 2016

Happy Birthday!!! Love you!

Susie
Wife

July 20, 2015

miss you this holiday season, love you

Susie

December 26, 2014

I found so many pictures of you going through grandma and grandpa's house. I finally got myself to go through them and they made me smile, but it still hurts so much. I need you more than ever with everything going on. Stay with me always... love you.

Melanie
Daughter

October 4, 2014

Thinking of you! Hope you and grandpa enjoyed being reunited recently, and I am so thankful to have you both watching over me. Love you!!!

Melanie
Daughter

September 7, 2014

Missing you lately... Thank you for guiding and staying with me through everything. I know you are always there. Loveloveloveeeeee you!

Melanie

February 10, 2014

Some people would believe that loved ones are taken for no good reason and it hurts them, deeply to the core. We believe there is a plan for all of us which God has set forth and we should follow, even if we don’t know, in black and white, what it is.
Your death brought us together with your family and from that day forward, nothing has remained the same of the public’s thoughts concerning Police Officers. Your family, community and even strangers came together for the first time in over 100 years, to create a place where firefighters and police officers who have “Died in the Line of Duty” will be remembered forever.
We miss you Brad, but your death was not in vain. Your community will always remember you and the other Public Safety Heroes who served us so gallantly.

Jerry and Linda Vandeveer
Law Enforcement/Firefighters Memorial of Allen County

July 23, 2013

Happy Birthday my love!

Susie
Wife

July 20, 2013

Brad,

I still think of you so often, remember that smile and that sense of humor! I remember so often sitting in the C shift squad meeting and you just getting everyone started. lol Ohhh the looks from Mongo and Marty sometimes. : )

You were taken way too soon Brad and we all still miss you. You'll never be forgotten my friend. Your family has always and will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sonja
Former FWPD Reserve & Dispatcher

April 20, 2013

As I heard of one of my friends parents passing in a car accident the other night all i can do is think of you and everything I have gone through because of it. I am completely heartbroken for him and wish there was more I could do to take his pain away. I miss you more than you know and as I lay here in one of your old sweatshirts I feel the comfort you always seem to give me when I need it most. Thank you for the strength you have been giving me and helping me grow continuously even without physically being here. Love you always...

Melanie

February 14, 2013

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

Officer 11169

February 4, 2013

I worked with Brad at Standard Federal - even though I knew him so long ago, I still think of him. His love of life and laughter are burned into my memory. What I remember most about Brad was his love of his children - he always had a story to tell. I will never forget a bracelet that one of the kids made for him...it was made of beads. He wore it to work and made sure that we all saw it. As he showed it to each of us, he would roll his eyes and act like he was wearing it out of his duty of being a dad. We all knew better...he loved the bracelet and was bragging to everyone about it. It was obvious because he told us in detail what the beads meant, who made it, how they made it, etc.

I'm so glad that I came across this reflection page, as I have always hoped for an opportunity to tell Brad's kids that he was so very proud of you all, and that he talked about every one of you so frequently, this coming from someone that knew him for only a short time.

Erin
Former Co-worker

December 7, 2012