Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch Thursday, October 5, 2000
Reflections for Police Officer Bradley W. Matteson
We lost another Angel, our Heavenly Father created Angels on Earth and they are Police Officers. Websters Dictionary describes an Angel as "a spiritual being superior to man in power and intelligence;an attendant spirit or guardian;a person like an angel (as in looks or behavior);inspiration from God;, yes my brothers and sisters Our Father in Heaven has placed us in such positions that we are to protect all his children, no matter how righteuos or retched they might be. I do believe that one day when we stand before our Lord ( Architect of the Universe...)in judgement that the Book Of Life will reveal that those Officers that Honored their Oath of Office will show great and wonderful works there were done for there fellow man. I can say to you now, without any equivocation, that one day we all will be together again with those that we love, because our Heeavenly Father is ever forgiving and only has love for us.
Never fear I know that Officer (Angel) Bradley matteson is seated at our Heavenly Fathers table and preparing a place for his family and waiting patiently. Remember Psalm 23, it comforts our soul:
THE LORD is my ashepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I awalk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Amen. I offer this prayer to the Matteson family and all my brothers and sisters in law enforcement. God Bless!
Chaplain Carlos E. Cortes
Chicago Police Department
For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. -Romans 13:4
You were taken too soon. I pause and reflect on just how precious physical life is, however, I reflect more on the life to come in Christ. You've made the necessary step in completing that process.
Sleep in Peace.
Darin L. Paul, Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation
I didn't know you well, but we were brothers anyway. And although I am new to the department, you still made me feel as welcome as an old friend. For that I will miss you and remember you always. Goodbye my friend, God bless you and your family. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Officer Fred Ray
Fort Wayne Police Dept.
i will miss your smile! when you smiled one never knew what you were up to!!God Bless you and Rest in Peace
Your shift is over and you went home
sergeant brian burton
fort wayne ind
We join with you in mourning as brothers and sisters in blue on this day of grief when we, too, lost a member to a senseless tragedy.
Sergeant John Spain
Chattanooga Police Department
Our Hearts go out to the Matteson family.. I too lost my father in the line of duty from Fort Wayne Police Dept. a long time ago, but for every fallen officer, It is just like it happened yesterday. You are in our prayers...
The Stiverson Family
A uniform of blue, a badge shining bright...Another Brother gone on a cold, dark night.
Keeping our city safe, He paid the ultimate price...Doing the job, He gave his life.
As you read this, please understand...under the uniform is an everyday man.
A man with a home, Family, and Wife...He gave us his all...He gave us His life.
Many tears will be shed on this cold fall day...and in our hearts your memory will stay.
We'll Miss You Brad,
A Fellow Officer
Fort wayne Police Department
Hello from Washington DC. We have made it to National Police Week and am ready to honor Brad. I can't imagine what we are in for but am sure it will be a great ceremony. Thanks to everyone that helped get us here. A once and a lifetime opportunity.
Brad, we love you and you are still the major topic of discussion. You are so loved!! Your friends have been wonderful to me and the kids. It is amazing how people pull together and get through a terrible situation like this. Keep smiling down on us and I am sure we will be alright. Kisses and hugs from us to you.
Susie
Susie
Being a Police Officer is not what you do, it is what you are.
God be with Susie and children until you are all together again.
Reserve Deputy Tim Sloat
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
12 years ago today, Happy Anniversary!
Susie
I didn't know Brad personally, but it is people like him that make the world go round. A tru HERO and an insperation to all who wish to be law enforcement officers. To his family and friends stay, strong there will be a more glorious day when you will see him again.
Ron Hill
Indiana State Univeristy Criminology Student
January 26, 2003
I read this site for the first time today and now it is after 1 am. Once
I get started, I can't stop. In some ways, this is the saddest site I've
ever been to, but in other ways, it is so healing, too. Especially when
I read that the officers who love Jesus are now in Heaven. That, in
itself, is HEALING!!!! But, my oh my, the trials one's early departure
leaves. The void is tremendous and I am realizing it takes a very long
time to heal and to be able to smile again and to feel like there is a life
for those left behind. My heart goes out to you for having to carry
on without your husband and for your kids to carry on without their
father. That in itself, takes ALOT of FAITH. We lost our very first law
enforcement casualty on Sept. 13, 2001 in the person of Whatcom
county Deputy Matt Herzog, state of WA. You will enjoy the
rememberances on his site and realize how loved he was! I didn't know
him personally, but he was a neighbor and I know that one day I, too
will get to meet him, as well as Brad. I still take flowers by his accident
site so people will know he is not forgotten. May you cling to the
promises in the Good Book that give you hope and security and
whatever other need you have. It is comforting to know that God does
hold us in the palm of His hand and that there is nothing, not even death,
that can separate us from His love!!! God bless you, Susie and family
Lynn Kole
Thank you for writing, I do still check this everyday just to see if anyone has added anything.
Susie
Survivor of Brad, EOW 10-5-00
1-3-03
I read all of the wonderful thoughts expressed about your husband and in one you asked people to keep writing to let you know they thought of him today. That is why I am writing-you are obviously a strong woman and I know he is proud of you. His sacrifice is remembered-God Bless you!
Anonymous
Happy Thanksgiving, you are truely missed
Just thinking alot about you lately,where we've all been and where we are now. Know that we haven't forgotten you or your family and that we never will. Our girls have learned so much about service and sacrifice in the last couple of years we are just sorry that they had too. Your brother is hanging in there, he has been in some tough spots but has come out on the other side a lot stronger. Your kids are getting so big and are very buzy with hockey. I guess I just wanted to say you are still very much thought of and missed.
Angela Matteson
sister-in-law
Brad, You are thought of often..... God bless you and keep you.......
Anonymous
Brad,
I wanted to take this time to say a hello on the upcoming 2nd anniversary of your accident. The rest of the week is crazy as usual around here, so I wanted to get this on here. I am having a golf outing in your honor and I can't wait. Things for that are going very well. Much more like the guys wanted, beer drinking, golfing kind of day. Give the big man a hint that we need nice weather.
I don't really need to give you an update because you know how we are doing, you are keeping a very good eye on us. We do miss you everyday. Ryan looks more and more like you everyday that passes. And by the way, he also has your shining personality, thanks! What a hand full. I am trying to keep him in line but miss that authoritative voice around the house.
Melanie is a wonderful little lady, yes a little lady no longer a little girl. You would be very proud of her and the way she cares for others. Truely a joy. Ok she is still a pre-teen and with that enough is said.
As far as me, I am doing well. Better than I ever thought I would. It has been a very interesting 2 years. I have had to learn many BIG lessons on life. I certainly don't trust people like I used to and that makes me sad. I still believe in happily ever after and I think that brings hope for everyday we are here on earth. I believe I am the person today because of the things I have had to live through and there will be a special someone out there for me to share that with. And I know Brad, that you would want nothing less for me. I do miss you dearly but do know you are having the time of your life. You are enjoying the fruits of your labor, life in paradise.
I went to a church concert last night and it was almost like they were speaking only to me. They were speaking of everyone on earth has a father. Maybe not here with us physically but we do have a father and do not feel that we don't. That gave me much peace and for that I thank those responsible for getting me there. We are going to be fine, better than fine, we are going to be great!
Love you!
Susie
My thoughts and prayers are still with Officer Matteson and his family.
God Bless brother.
Officer SA Sparks
Chesterfield County Police Dept., Virginia
03/August/2002....God Bless your family.......
Anonymous
God bless you Mrs. Matteson. Keep looking above for strength. Brad, rest in peace blue angel.
S. Yates
My Dearest Brad,
Today is your 45th birthday. I wish we could go celebrate with a traditional margarita. Your life was cut too short that terrible day. You had so much more to live for but will never see it on this earth. Melanie, Ryan and I will reflect on birthdays of past, especially the one when we went to The Bead Source. As silly as it was it sure is a wonderful memory. You are our sunshine, our only sunshine, you make us happy, when skies are grey, you will never know dear, how much we love you, please don't take our sunshine away......
Happy Birthday
I love you
Your wife
Susie
UNCLE BRAD,
I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU VERY MUCH. HAPPY BIRTHDAY,ON SATURDAY. I WILL BRING YOU A BALLOON SO YOU HAVE A PRESENT. I HOPE HEAVEN IS FUN. I WISH I COULD SEE YOU BUT SINCE I CAN'T I WILL GO VISIT YOUR STONE AND SING YOU HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I LOVE YOU
Paige Matteson-niece
Dearest Brad,
Hey baby, wanted to leave you a note to let you know I am getting ready for a trip to Washington DC to honor you and all the others that have given their lives in the line of duty. I am looking forward to spending some time "alone" with you, in thought. I have missed you so much I can't even start to tell you. I don't think a day passes that a tear doesn't fall for you. You are my angel. I love you.
Susie, wife
Brad,
I know you saw your son, isn't he awsome, he won his second state championship. I don't think you would have had a prouder moment than when he scored the winning goal with 47 seconds to go in the game. I cry everytime I think of it and I cried after they won the championship game, you should be here! I love you and miss you very much, please continue to watch over us and keep us safe.
Love you
Susie
Susie
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