Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thanksgiving Day 2003
Hi Matt! Thinking of you and your family today. I know your friends
and loved ones still miss you as I think of you often and never knew
you. Tell Jesus hi and I hope he comes back soon, but not before I
get to hold my new grandbaby! God bless us everyone! I know one
day Jesus will remove all believers' pain. That's my HOPE!! Lynn

November 27, 2003

Dear Matt, 1Nov03

Have the strongest desire to speak with you again today, but know it's just not possible. Just our inability to communicate brings so musch pain, so many tears, and frustration that it's almost unbearable. Your loss has been so difficult for so many people, even after all this time. Your exceptional mother and father, your wife, your sister, your loving Nana and Paps. I wonder how this could have happened to our perfect family...I just don't understand. I ask you why, but can't hear your answers. I tell myself this must be another nightmare generated by our profession, but can't wake to wipe the tears from my face, and the sweat from my forehead. Could we have told you, "Be careful out there Matt", just one more time? Would it have made a difference? Could we have discussed more, the risks of high-speed pursuits? Would it have made a difference? Could I have instilled more police related wisdom? Would it have made a difference? I am genuinely sorry for allowing you to follow my career path, as Josh has now done. If I'd interfere, would it make a difference? So many questions, so few answers. I promise to protect you better when as partner's, we patrol heaven together. Until then I will miss you, dear nephew, each day the badge is pinned over my broken heart.

Love you, dear nephew
Uncle Jeff
D./Sgt. Jeff Herzog
Bethlehem (PA) Police

D./Sgt. Jeffrey Herzog
Bethlehem (PA) Police Department

November 1, 2003

When God Made Peace Officers




When the Lord was creating peace officers, he was into His sixth day of overtime. An angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of idling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specs on this order? A peace officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform. He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day at a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvas the neighborhood for witnesses and testify in court the next day. He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands....no way!"

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord. "It's the three pairs of eyes the officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, Sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job) Another pair here in the side of his head for his partner's safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, "You'll be alright, Ma'am....when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord, " said the angel, touching his sleeve. Rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't", said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the peace officer very slowly. "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet", said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes, recite Miranda warnings in its sleep, detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop...and it still keeps its sense of humor. This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily newspaper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the peace officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."

"What's a tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber, "I didn't put it there," He said, "It comes with the job."

Mike Thomas
Orting Police Department

October 20, 2003

Sept. 13, 2003

Matt, you are never far from our thoughts or memories...seems
like yesterday.

Lynn Kole

September 13, 2003

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer.

Today, September 13, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of Deputy Matt Herzog who died on this date two years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Deputy Herzog's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

September 13, 2003

Today I re-read every reflection left for you Matt, and they've brought laughter and tears. Special words for such a special person. You touched so many people. Peace and love to you always.

9/12/03

September 12, 2003

Matt:

Two years later, we still think of you every day. The stories are still told, the memories are still shared, and none of it compares to having you here. Hard to believe you've been gone so long. You left a legacy in your love of the job, your love of life, and the love you shared with Amy. But we would give anything to have you back, to hear you laugh, to see you dance. They do have disco in heaven, don't they?

September 12, 2003

I used to live across the border from Whatcom County and was always impressed by their deputies.When I read all the tributes to Mark, I was not at all surprised, and was moved to tears. We've all lost another fine and exemplary lawman-and I know he will be very sorely missed.God speed, Mark, to you and yours.

Ranger Paul Bardal
Canadian Armed Forces

September 12, 2003

Matt-
You are forever in our memory and our hearts. Thinking of you, your family, and your friends. 9/12/03

Lori J

September 12, 2003

Hi, Matt! Thinking of you today. Glad you're with Jesus.
He helps take away the hurt. 7/21/03 LK

It has been almost 2 years since you left us to be with God. I still think about that night daily, and I wish I could just talk to you one more time.

As a Deputy you embodied all that is good about law enforcement officers. Your patient, respectful, professional, and caring demeanor has left a lasting impression on those you worked with.

I will never understand why you were chosen to leave us that night, but I consider myself lucky to have seen you on that prowler call just before the crash. Your incredibly postive attitude has served as a catalyst for improvements in my life. I strive daily to be more like you, and to enjoy life the way you did.

You are greatly missed Matt.

Sgt Steve Gatterman
Whatcom County S.O.

April 30, 2003
Happy Birthday, Matt! You are 29 today. I saw your memorial bench
when I paid my property taxes at the Courthouse. It is a nice tribute to
a nicer person. I planted forget-me-nots at your accident site this
Spring. They look nice with the white daffodils and red tulips that were
planted there last year by your buddies. How can we forget you? A
special person like you only comes along once in awhile. You are missed
each and every day! I am looking forward to graduation day when I'm
outta here and reunited with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know
He has great things in store for all His followers one day. O Happy Day!
Till then I'll water those forget-me-nots with my tears!

Lynn Kole

It's been nineteen months today since I last saw your face. I need you to know that I miss you in all sorts of ways every single day. I hold in my heart the memories of our childhood and all of the wondrous times we shared. You were my best friend and so part of my heart-
I know that one day we will walk together again and laugh about the times we shared- yet it will be a terribly long wait for me. I miss you so much Matt, my little brother. I love you always...

Anonymous

Hello again, Matt. Thinking of you often and remembering you. Found
this poem on another site and liked it. January 20, 2003

Family Chain

We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.

I hope this brings comfort to those that love you and love Jesus. Until
we meet, may God give strength and comfort to the ones that love you
and to the ones you love. Good-bye for now.

Lynn Kole

Lynn Kole

September 13, 2002
Matt, you are remembered TODAY...and every day.

Lynn

9/12/02:

Matt, we miss you always, and feel blessed to have known you, even for a short moment. You are constantly in our thoughts. And while the sacrifice you and your family made was all but ignored by the media in the wake of September 11, know that for those who were personally touched by your presence, there was no greater tragedy than your death. Every day, we mourn your loss, we remember your sacrifice, and we celebrate your life. You live on in our hearts and your memory will shine forever.

"Loved with a love beyond telling,
Missed with a grief beyond all tears...."

Matt- This week my heart is with all your family and friends left behind. You are loved, remembered and missed.....always!

Lori

This week, a King County Officer was murdered. I knew him as Deputy Herzog and thought that his first name was Matt. I came to know that his name was Richard Herzog, but still knew that Matt Herzog was a name familiar to me.

After reading the Officer Down pages, I have my answers.

I had read of Matt Herzog's death on September 13, 2001 was saddened to think that with the tragedies of September 11, his death would not be given the attention it deserved.

Please know that your son and husband are NOT forgotten, he died a hero, doing a hard and honest job.

My family and I will not forget who Matt Herzog was. He is remembered by us here in King County.

Jennifer, wife of KCSO Deputy

Rest in Peace blue angel

S. Yates

Seven years ago today...June 10,1995...our Dance began.....

Dear Officer Herzog,
It's been a few months now since your death. I was at the hospital when you came in that night. Although I did not know you before then, your death has left a void in my heart. You would have been proud. You should have seen all your brothers and sisters there, by your side. I felt comforted by thier presence as I am sure you did also. Rest in peace, you are a dear soul.... God bless your family..

L. Musser

Matt,
You were and still are a very fine officer and I am deeply saddend that you are not around physically to protect us all, but we can all take comfort that you are around spirtitually. You will always be remembered and respected!

Anonymous

Happy Birthday, Matt. April 30, 2002. You are
remembered and loved. Your memory is still
alive in our hearts. God bless those who are
still stinging from your absence. Lynn Kole

Hi Matt. It was 6 months ago today that you went to be
with Jesus and we all still feel the pain of your leaving.
Your nomination and winning of the Red Cross Real
Heroes Award pleases us that you have not been
forgotten and have been recognized for your dedication
to your job and your community. There are still flowers
on your accident site and your fellow deputies lined the courtroom to support
Amy, your family, and each other at the sentencing of
the suspect. Matt, you remain in our thoughts and alive
in our hearts. We ache for those who knew and loved
you. You are dearly missed. Lynn Kole

Lynn Kole
citizen and neighbor

Although I didn't personally know Deputy Herzog I was saddened by his death. I grew up in Lynden as a kid and moved to Alaska in 1996 when I was hired by APD. I try to keep tabs on happenings around Lynden and Whatcom County. A close friend, Everson PD Officer Dan MacPhee, often calls to keep me informed about current events in the law enforcement community. During the early morning hours of July 9 2001 one of my good friends and fellow APD officer Justin Wollam was killed during a pursuit which I was involved in. Seeing Deputy Herzog's obituary brought back painful memories. My heart and prayers go out to the Herzog family and also to Deputy Triplett. One can only imagine the grief he must feel.

From myself and all the rest at Anchorage PD, Godspeed, Matt. Keep watch over us from above.

Officer Ryan Rockom
Anchorage, Alaska Police Department