Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Joe,
I love you. I love you. I love you. I will love you and honor you always. Liz

November 4, 2003

Gone but not forgotten.
Thank you for being a hero to so many.
God Speed Brother.

Police Officer
Montgomery County, MD

November 3, 2003

God speed my brother...we'll take it from here. Keep an eye on us, and watch our brother Rich as you join him in eternal life.

Patrol
Lower Gwynedd Twp PD, Montgomery Cty, PA

October 17, 2003

Capt. Mattingly - I worked a midnight shift last night, and it fell over into October 13. That number, 13, has been unlucky for our department recently: August 13 being when Kyle was shot and paralyzed by some cowardly drug dealers, and September 13 being the morning of your death. I worked with pride that morning. You are not forgotten. I only wish there were more of us on this website for you, but each of us mourns in our own way. I know you're not forgotten by this department. Life is truly short, and we each can only do so much in our short time here. We continue on, in your name, and in the name of each person here on this website. Remember, folks...enjoy your family and friends now. Love a little, live a lot! God is good.

PO3 Kristen McKenna
MCPD

October 13, 2003

Capt. J A Mattingly Jr,
Thank you for your dedication to the job as well as the citizens of Montgomery County. You will be always be missed,but NEVER FORGOTTEN.
God bless you my Brother in blue.

Deputy A B Smith
Wake Co Sheriff's Office, NC

October 3, 2003

As you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!

Ret Officer RB Wade
Richmond, VA Police

September 27, 2003

Rest in peace, Captain Mattingly. My deepest sympathies to the Mattingly family, friends and the men and women of the Montgomery County Police Department.

S. Cullinane Smith
widow of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane, Sea Isle City, NJ, EOW 8/26/92 and wife of a Montgomery County Police Officer

September 25, 2003

BUFFALO, NEW YORK

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE OFFICERS
WISH TO SEND OUR CONDOLENCES. OUR THOUGHTS
AND PRAYERS ARE WITH CAPT. MATTINGLY, HIS FAMILY
AND CO-WORKERS.

GOD BLESS...

PO ERNEST G. PENN
DEPT. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICE

September 24, 2003

FINAL ROLL CALL

CAPTAIN MATTINGLY JR.,
REST IN PEACE BROTHER, FOR YOU HAVE DONE YOUR PART TO MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE...BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS, FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD...WATCH OVER US ALL AND RIDE WITH US ALWAYS...
YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
WAKE COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

Deputy David A. Wilson
Wake County Sheriffs Office

September 24, 2003

Jumpin' Joe was a man of integrity, who loved being a Cop. He was committed to his family, friends, and his police department, and his loss has left us all feeling bereft. I was one of the ones who had the privilege of working with Joe, early in his career, and later on as well. I think this poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson is an appropriate tribute to Joe.

To Laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have Succeeded.

Joe succeeded. May the Force be with him. OD 841 is 10-7.

PO3 J. A. Milne
MCPD

September 23, 2003

Rest in peace Captain. Your years of service will be remembered.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

September 23, 2003

Captain Mattingly, I'm sadened to know that we have lost another officer in the line of duty. But, you did what you do because you chose it. You walked the thin blue line between warrior and servant and your community is grateful for your sacrifice. May God provide your family with swift closure in their loss, and to yourself, fast winds to your next assignment in heaven, as you walk those streets under his command. A huge reward is awaiting you. In the meantime, please watch over us and the remaining peace officers that will continue the watch in your absence. Goodnight sir.

Concerned Military Member
USAF

September 23, 2003

Another guardian of peace has left this world to patrol a different beat. My thoughts are with all of those who had the pleasure of being a part of your life. My prayers are with you as look down upon us. Rest easy now.

Telecommunicator I
Wake CO SO Raleigh NC

September 23, 2003

GOD BLESS U AND YOURS,


WE HAVE THE WATCH NOW!!!!!!!!!

deputy
SHELBY COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE GANG UNIT

September 22, 2003

I am so sorry for the loss of another Officer. I send my sincere condolences to this fine Officer's wife and childeren. I wish I could take away all the pain and suffering that you are having to go through and will go through. Lean on your freinds and family, you will need them. The Lord has been my comfort and I will pray he will be yours as well.

Elena Wagstaff
Wife, Texas Game Warden Wesley Wagstaff
EOW 8-5-03

September 21, 2003

I enjoyed the times that we shared. You was always there for me. You was a true friend and mentor. I will miss you deeply.
Your Friend James

Sgt James Borum
Montgomery county police MD.

September 20, 2003

Rest in Peace Brother...you will never be forgotten

CPD

September 19, 2003

We feel your loss here in Florida. May God bless you and your family. May His angels protect your loved ones now and in the years to come. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.

Virtute Et Armis

Inv. John Creamer
Tallahassee Police Department

September 19, 2003

To the family, friends and co-workers of Capt. Mattingly,

Having just lost my husband in the line of duty recently, I know the pain you are feeling. No words can comfort you right now but each day you will start to feel a little bit stronger. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You!

April James
Wife of Deputy W. F. James II, EOW 9/5/03

September 19, 2003

To Joe's Wife, Children, Mother and siblings:
Joe had such a reputation. A reputation of being "By the Book". I think Joe, Jr. had it right when he challenged each of us to live our lives with the honor and integrity that his dad had lived. I for one will tryl
I believe Joe may have saved a life just before he died. You see, I lost my husband to a drunk driver 19 years ago. Joe took someone off the road and made them safer for all. Thank you Joe for doing your duty up until the end.
My prayers are with each of you to find comfort and peace in your memories and with each other.
We will never forget Joe.

Aonymous, Retired, Montgomery County Police

September 18, 2003

I attended the service for Captain Mattingly yesterday and was very touched by the many remembrances that were tendered. I was tickled to hear that he also collected classic GI-Joe figures as I do. I felt a kniship with him, as I have a penchant for traffic enforcment as well, and have been known to tip a beer or two. He sounded like a terrific guy, that I would have been pleased to know and share our similar hobbies and professional ethics. I am very sorry for Montgomery County PD's loss. Our agencies share a border, and I live in the county, but I know few if any of the officers.

I am truly sorry to not have known Captain Mattingly, and I know I speak for my agency when I express my condolences and sorrow to his fine family and to his colleagues. Sincerely, Sgt. N. T. Breul, M.P.D.C.

Sergeant
Metropolitan Police, D.C.

September 18, 2003

My sincerest condolences to the Mattingly family, friends and brothers/sisters in blue. Have faith and trust in our Lord and Savior - He will provide! It's been 15 months now since my husband was killed and I can tell you that you will smile again. May you rest in peace Captain Mattingly. You are loved by so many.

Ann Marie Nielsen, police widow
Chandler, AZ P.D.

September 18, 2003

My fiance, Dennis McElderry, was the first law enforcement casualty of 2003. Dennis died doing a job he loved, just as I'm sure Joseph did. It saddens me to know that Dennis was not the first to die in the line of duty, nor will he and Joseph be the be the last to die this way.

Having gone through the pain of losing Dennis I can truly understand and feel the pain that Captain Mattingly's family, friends, and co-workers must be feeling. My heart goes out to you all, especially to his wife. No one can truly understand the pain of our loss until they've walked in our shoes. I wish I could give you a few words of wisdom to help you through this tough time, but there isn't anything I can really say or do to make the situation better. Just know that my thoughts are with you.

Please accept my condolences on behalf of the McElderry family and remember that Joseph is part of huge law enforcement family. If you ever need anything any number of them will be there for you (as I've quickly found out!) From reading the many reflections posted here, I am certain Joseph was well respected and well loved.

Thank you for a job well done and for helping to make this world a safer place for us all. Please take care of my fiance Dennis.

Peace, Love, Luck, and Happiness!

Jocelyne Brar (Drakesville, IA)
Fiancee of Deputy Dennis McElderry - EOW (01/03/03)

September 17, 2003

Please remember the fallen officers we have lost. Remember the men and women who died trying to make this world a safer and better place for us all to live in. Thank you Captain Mattingly for a job well done. Please continue to watch over us and protect us as only you can. You will forever be at our side and in our hearts.

For those of you who still have loved ones with us please take the time to tell them how much you appreciate and care about them.

IF I KNEW

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Anonymous

September 17, 2003

My heart goes out to the family, friends, and fellow officers. I know how the sudden shock of this tragedy has left you all feeling confused, saddened and lost. May God be with you and his presence be of some comfort.

You are all in my prayers
Kylie Miller
Friend of Dep. Frank James
EOW 9/5/03

September 17, 2003