Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brad
I sit here preparing to take Ryan's hockey team to the state tournament, He has become a true leader in every sense of the word. He has done a lot of growing in the past year, and I know that you are there to guide him in many of his desions. He makes me proud to be his uncle in the way he carries himself in every day situations. We have a relationship that thrives on respect for one another. He under stands that I am not going anywhere or let anything happen to him or Mel. You would be so so proud of him, he has worked so hard to improve his hockey skills and to make you proud. Well I know as well as Ryan, Mel, and Susan know that your spirit will help us to win this tourament. We all miss you and after we win this thing we will toast you with a margarrita. See you later Bill

Happy Anniversary Brad, I wish you were here to celebrate with me. Here is to #11!

Love you
Susie

Susie

Dear Daddy,
I miss you very much.

Ryan

Ryan Matteson, son of Brad

Merry Christmas Brad, the one thing the kids ask for and I can't give it to them is you. Have a blessed day in heaven

Love you always
Susie

Susie

Merry Christmas Brad. We miss you.

Anonymous

My dearest Brad,

I still think of you everyday. Ryan had his 8th birthday yesterday and only could wish for you back home. I love you and miss you.

Susie

Susie and children,

A year has passed but I still think of Brad and your family every day. i pass the corner on my way to work and say a prayer for you. It is a reminder to never take anything for granted. Live each day as if it were the last and always say "I love you"

Anonymous

Brad,

A year ago today will forever be etched in our memories, the sorrow and pain was so deep and felt by so many. Today we (Susie,Colby,Angie Yvonne and myself) placed a cross in your memory at the corner that has become a beautiful memorial to honor you. There are many things I could write but know these few things. Susie and the kids are doing good. (You have wonderful children) You are missed by your fellow officers and your laughter and straight forwardness will never be forgotten.

We know that Gary has come to keep you company, now in turn both of you guys look out for the officers,firefighters and their families from New York.

God Bless
Mark Cricket Renee and Mark Dolezal

The Dolezal Family

Dearest Brad,
I can't hardly believe that it was 1 year ago today that we were sitting in Pizza Hut having our last date together. I can just remember how happy you were that day, what a great gift to me to have that day forever. I went to the cememtary Tuesday and the marker is finally down, that was quite a shocker seeing us on the ground. This past year has been such a journey. I thank you my angel for being with me every step of the way. I know that we are ok, you and I, we have not a physical relationship now but a spiritual one. You will forever be my husband. I am busy preparing to have a memorial for you tomorrow night. I am excited but yet fearful for I don't know how I will react. My emotions have been all over the place this week. It pains me to know that a year has passed, not so much for me but for our children. The kids miss you so much, they want their daddy here with them. Brad, I love you and miss you.

Susie

Susie

Brad,
Today is a sad day for our family, we lost another person we cared so much for, Gary. It is so hard to know that both of you had such a short stay here, but boy was it an interesting one. Gary had such a long hard battle with his cancer and your accident was so horrible. I am so sad yet I am imagaing the reunion you two are having,and it makes me smile. To think of you both in heaven having the best of the best is a comforting thought. I have a very new image of Angels, they are men with very big smiles,large personalities, huge hearts and big motorcycles! I am not sure about the wings. We miss you, but know that you are in heaven with God(and now Gary)where you are suppose to be, how can we argue that?

Angie Matteson sister-in-law

To the family of POLICE OFFICER Brad Matteson:

I discovered this site about three months ago and have been a "regular" ever since. I am the son of Dennis R. Goebel, a recently retired Hamilton County (OH) Sheriff's Department Homicide Detective. I must tell you that I admire my father a great deal for the man he is and for the job he did for 28 years. He is my hero as I am sure Brad is yours.

He put his life on the line every day to make this world a better place. Brad Matteson did the same thing and made the ultimate sacrifice. I respect him for that and view him as a TRUE HERO.

I would like to extend my condolences for your family's loss. Although I did not know Brad I am still saddened by his passing. Please know that he will not be forgotten.
I myself hope to one day soon have the honor of following in my father's and Brad's footsteps by becoming a POLICE OFFICER. I am scheduled to take the Cincinnati Police exam next month. If I become a POLICE OFFICER I will try my best to serve as faithfully and as honorably as your loved one did. I know that he and the other POLICE OFFICERS that have made the ultimate sacrifice will be by my side as I walk the beat.

My prayers are with your family. Good luck with everything in the future.

Thank you Brad for making the ultimate sacrifice so that our world could be a safer place. You are and always will be a Hero to us all.

Sincerely,

John R. Goebel

John R. Goebel

I met Susie and her children at COP'S Kids Camp this past summer. It helped me to be able to talk to other widows that are in the same situation. The hardest thing is seeing all the children that are suffering, even though we can support them we can never return their parent. My prayers are with all the survivors, our lives will go on but we will never forget our loved ones. Hope to see you soon Susie.

Connie Heller
widow
DFC Brian Keith Heller
EOW 6/14/00
Worcester County, MD

Connie Heller

Susan, I lost my brother the same year your husband was killed. I think I spoke to your husband's brother and his wife in D.C. but did not get a chance to meet you. I understand all too well what your family has been going through. Our lives will never be the same. But maybe my brother and your husband are up there exchanging stories while waiting for all of us..You and your family will be in my prayers...God Bless

Corrina Hetrick survivor

Happy Birthday my love! The kids and I went out and celebrated your 44th birthday today with a margarita. We sure do miss you, but we did discuss how we get stronger each day and Melanie knows that you are there helping us. We love you!

Susie, Alex, Melanie & Ryan

Dearest Brad,


HAPPY FATHERS DAY! We sure do miss you everyday but today especially. Today is what you lived for, being a father. You would be so proud of the kids, they are so wonderful. Thank you for instilling in them the values that you did while you had your time here with us. Without you they wouldn't be the great kids they are today. There are times I think that God took the wrong parent. I sure do miss having you here to balance out the parental roles I face each and everyday. Please continue to watch over us and hold us up through all the rough times we have. WE LOVE YOU!

Susie, Alex, Melanie & Ryan

YOU ARE THE BEST DADDY!

Susie

Here it is Father's Day weekend and I feel so bad that you and your kids are not together. I know that they will be remembering you, as will the rest of your family members. You have caused us all to think long and hard about what is really important in our lives and for that I wish I could tell you (in person) thanks. It hasn't been easy since you left but you would be amazed at how wonderful people have been. I just have to say something that I know you would enjoy, and do I hate to have to admidt it but almost eveyday I think of or see something and it screams out "Hey, I had an opion about that and I was right." I really miss the challenge! Just wanted to say our family will remember you on Fathers Day too!

Angie Matteson
sister-in-law