Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I wanted to stop and leave a reflection to thank you for your dedicated career to law enforcement. It will be six years soon since your tour of duty ended but I know there are still tears and broken hearts that will never be the same. I wish you could have made it to retirement, even if it would have been for a short time as you earned it. Mine lasted 17 months after 30 years of service and then I lost my youngest son in the line of duty who followed in my footsteps. Neither he nor you will ever be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let you be forgotten. You are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon

May 8, 2006

Parishioners from St. Jude Catholic Church will remember Bradley and his family in our prayers as we carry a cross from St. Jude to St. Charles on Saturday, 3/18/06. We will remember his gift to all of us as we cross the intersection where he was hit.

Father Tom Shoemaker
St. Jude Catholic Church

March 12, 2006

I never knew Officer Matteson--I am simply one of the many citizens of Fort Wayne that he protected eveyday that he worked--but I do remember with incredible clarity the day he was killed and I remember the horror and sadness I felt for his family. It seems impossible that it has been over five years since that day.
I found this site today and began to cry after reading some of your wife and children's postings. I pray that they find peace in life and I pray that God places his hands on Susie and the children until you are all together again in heaven.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

SKG

February 8, 2006

Well 5 years have passed, hard to imagine. Hard to forget that night when the doorbell rang in those early morning hours. So much has happened, changed and grown. Just wanted to say you are still missed and loved, each and everyday.

Susie, Alex, Melanie and Ryan

Susie

October 5, 2005

Brad,

Five years ago today, I awoke to the phone ringing in the very early morning to Scotty Morales. I had taken that night off to be with my family. I have kicked myself quite a bit since. On this day, I remember, stronger than ever, to hold my family so very close. Take care my Brother, and never doubt that you are never forgotten.

Patrolman Joe Lyon
FWPD

October 5, 2005

Well here we are 5 years later, a little stronger, a little older and still a little broken. We remember you often and remind the kids of what kind of a man you where and what you sacrificed for others. To them, they just miss Uncle Brad and his silly behavior. I feel bad that Colby has lost so much of his family. You know that the two of you are the only two that could begin to understand the Matteson's and as with any sibling, missing that one person who gets it makes life pretty lonley. At the same time we have gained the honor of knowing so many Law Enforcement Officers and their families, and have made such amazing friends. As this 5th anniversary of your death comes this week our hearts are full of many feelings, some fond memories, some heartbreak, and some specific details. Most of all we want to just take this time to remember all that was and always will be Bradley W. Matteson husband, father, brother,uncle, son, Officer, and friend. Thanks Brad for all that you brought to this world and our lives. (Bet you never thought you'd hear that from me-I mellowed with age too-lol)I keep thinking of a line in a song that asks is Heaven all that you hoped it would be? I hope it is that and more. We love & miss you.

Angie Matteson

October 3, 2005

To the family and friends of Police Officer Brad Matteson and his fellow officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department:

I was so saddened to read about the tragic circumstances in which Officer Matteson lost his life by the vehicular assault. How sad that he death occurred one year before his planned retirement. On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you have suffered.

In reading the reflections about Brad, it is obvious he was well respected by his peers. Brad's valor and dedication to his job will never be forgotten.

I am glad that his family has been comforted by the law enforcement community and other police survivors, and hope they continue to be embraced by them. Our family grieves with you and for you. We too share your anquish as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Dept. when he was fatally shot this April during a foot pursuit of two bank robbers.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the many (nineteeen) years of service Brad gave to his community, and the citizens of Indiana, and the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on October 5, 2000.

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

September 22, 2005

Well it is official as of today, I just got back from the board meeting and a section of State St. will be the "Bradley W. Matteson Memorial Way". It will be awsome to see the signs up in a couple of weeks. You will never be forgotten, and often remembered.

Love
Susie

March 30, 2005

Dear Brad,
I write a reflection today as I think of you, your children, and of course, your beloved Susie. I don't know how life takes such horrible twists and turns and I will never understand why you are not here with your family instead of watching over them from Heaven.
Although I never got a chance to know you, as a result of my tragedy I have had the pleasure of meeting your wonderful, beautiful legacies; and I know that you must be SO VERY PROUD of Melanie, Ryan and Susie's accomplishments since your untimely death.
Please know that some of us that never had the honor of knowing you are thinking about you today.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

March 21, 2005

Susie, I check the ODMP every few days just to keep up with what is going on in the law enforcement world around this country. I also use it as training information for the men and women I work with. Today was Brad's day under the "we remember" spot. I started to read it and was overwhelmed with the reflections I saw. He sounds like a great guy and one heck of a family man. I am sure he is proud of all of you. I lost a friend back in 2000 and it seems like yesterday. hope all is going well with you and your family. "Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God". May God bless you and your family.

Sgt. Keith Rhodes
Osceola County Florida

March 15, 2005

Time has passed, seasons have come and gone. But today, as many days do, reminds us how much we still miss you.

Colby, Angie,Taylor & Paige-ie-pie

October 6, 2004

Dear Brad,
I regret the fact that I never got to meet you and to know you before your untimely death. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your family today.

Juli Verkler
Widow of Ptlm. Bryan S. Verkler EOW 12/13/03

October 5, 2004

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

God bless. Rest in peace.

A grateful citizen.

October 5, 2004

It has been four years, amazing! you are missed

October 5, 2004

dad,
i have a couple questions for you today. i`ll explain why first today one of my really good friends passed away. (lindsay) i miss her so so much and it`s only been a day. i still can`t believe it! can you please help me get through this hard time! and can you please tell her i said hi and i love her and miss her! same to you i love you miss you and i say hi. thanks for everything dad! i love you so so much!

smelly melly- melanie

July 25, 2004

dad,
i love you and miss you very much!i wish u were here because you would be so proud of me i just finished hockey camp and worked really hard and got lots of prizes. i am also one the best pitchers on my softball team. i am also going farther and skating and starting my summer as a pre juvenile level free style and intermediate moves in the field. u should also be proud of ryan because he is pretty much doing the same in hockey but he`s not skating but he is the best hockey player he could ever be. well mom and brian got engaged yesterday and im really happy but no one could take your place but i love brian very much! he is going to be my new dad but you are still my dad. i love you both very much. we still think about you and miss happy fathers day dad love you
melanie

melanie

June 20, 2004

Brad,
I am so sorry that I never got a chance to know you. I have an idea (through meeting your wife and your children) how wonderful of a person that you were. Though Fate has taken some strange twists and turns, as a result of my tragedy, I have had the opportunity to meet and spend time with your Family. I am so happy that I have had a chance to do this. Though you are no longer with us, I feel that Your Spirit would have allowed a grieving widow (such as myself) to have your Family here in order to help me heal.
Oddly enough, I guess it really is true that some good things DO occur as a result of severe tragedy.
Thank you Brad for sending Your Family my direction.
Love,
Juli

June 19, 2004

Dear Matteson Family,

I grew up behind Brad's parents and saw him at the ice rink when I worked there during a couple of winters. Everytime I come home to Fort Wayne I always think of the incident. My thoughts are with all of you! I will participating in the FWPD's physical test this coming weekend and hope to have a future with the Fort Wayne PD. I will keep the memory alive with me always! Best Wishes!!

Scott M. Peterson
Future Law Enforcement Officer.

Scott Peterson

June 1, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 4, 2004

Dear Brad,

Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of you in some way. I wish that I could have one more glimpse at that goofy smile; hear that sharp, dry humor; have you as my back-up. I hope that I can take a small portion of your good humor into my later years on this department, and pray that I never forget your loss. God Bless you and your family, from your former District Partner........

Patrolman Joe Lyon
Fort Wayne

February 23, 2004

Officer Jester, thank you for taking time to leave your message. I am very happy to hear that Brad has not been forgotten among the officers of the FWPD. Stay safe out there, thank you for putting on your uniform and keeping us safe.

Susie

December 26, 2003

Susie -

I never had the opportunity to met Brad as I was in the Academy at the time of his taking. I went to the funeral, as did every other recruit in the Academy at that time. It was a sobering experience and brought to home what the price of freedom and security is. As our profession lost two more brothers in Mishawaka recently I ran into Brad's brother there. He held up remarkably well and I found myself thinking of the news that October morning.

I just wanted to take the time to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and to let you know that Brad has NOT been forgotten by any of us, even those of us who was unable ever meet him. God Bless you and may He keep you all safe in His arms this holiday season....

Patrolman TW Jester
FT Wayne Police Dept

December 20, 2003

Brad,

Today was a beautiful fall day, maybe the nicest Oct 5th in the last 3 years. The sun was out the air was crisp and the leaves are beginning to turn. We haven't forgotten and niether have others, You are remembered today and every day.

Angie Matteson

October 5, 2003

Susie,

Words cannot express the sadness that our family feels for you. Being the wife of a Deputy, you are living out my worst nightmare, and I hope that you know there are so many of us out here that wish we could do something to make this easier for you. You and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. We will not forget your husband and all of the other officers that have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect us and keep us safe. God bless you and your children.

Thank you Brad for your gift to your community, your family and thank you for the witness of your love of God. May you rest in peace with him for eternity.

Renee Creek
Wife of Boulder County, Colorado Deputy

Brad,
Thanks for making me the strong person I am today!

Love you and miss you so so much

your wife
Susie

Susie