Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Pavelka, I often pass your memorial and I think of the sacrifice that you made that night protecting the people of Burbank. I wish I could have been there to help. I often take me boots to the location of that incident. No persons should forget the sacrifice nor the daily dangers that street cops face. Rest in peace.

f.t.o R Guthrie 26211
LAPD MISSION PATROL

March 19, 2008

Matt,

My birthday is coming up and the only thing I can possibly think to ask for is you back again. I wish I could have that wish but it is not possible. I will pray for strength to get by another year without you. I miss you.

Lovingly

Mom

Sue Pavelka
Mom

January 10, 2008

Hey Matt,
I've been reading all the letters written to you over the last couple of years. I am so happy to see how may people have responded with kind and loving words. I can remember all the good times we had together at the lake jetsking and when we would go to your house in pasadena tradtionally for SuperBowl sunday. I think about you all the time.. When the going gets tough I think about you and I gain strengh and that strengh gets me through the hard times and I thank you for that. You will never be forgotton my friend.
Your Friend,
Shannon Moore.

Shannon Moore
friend

December 29, 2007

I just want to say God bless you Officer Pavelka. You are a hero. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Rest in peace Officer Matthew Pavelka. Godspeed.

Cadet C. Slate
Garden Grove Police Department

December 11, 2007

Matt,

Not a minute goes by that I don't think of you. I still have a very hard time relizing you are not here. The holidays are hard for your Dad and I. We are so proud to call you our son, you are a hero to all.

Mom

Sue Pavelka
Mom

December 5, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

November 28, 2007

I was thinking about you today and your dad as well. He must be so proud of you. I drive by your sign everyday on my way to work and think about you and your sacrifice. Godspeed son, you are missed and loved.

Sergeant Steve Williams
LAPD

November 21, 2007

Matt,

I wanted to let you know that I miss you and thank you for everything that you have done. Your family should be proud of a man who protected and served for the community. I miss our times in England and when I look at the pictures tears run down my face. I am hoping you are well and I just wish you were here. My heart felt condolences goes out to your family. Love you bud.

Trooper Robert P. Church
Massachusetts State Police/friend

November 18, 2007

My thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Officer Pavelka on the anniversary of his passing. God Bless you all. Another HERO that was taken too soon.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

November 15, 2007

Just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you and your mom and dad today. You will never be forgotten, I have my blue candles that burn 24/7, we will never forget the scarifice that you and your family have made. Tell Clint that I miss him everyday. Watch over your family and let them know that you are close.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

November 15, 2007

Dear Matthew Michael

Rodney Atkins song was thinking of you and your dad in this song "Watching You". Thank you for honoring all fathers of Law Enforcement.

We'll be just alike, hey, won't we dad
When I can do everything you do.
'cause I've been watching' you.

Dean Hop
Owner of Burbank Memorial Police Chopper

November 15, 2007

My thoughts are with your loved ones on this 4th anniversary of your EOW. I'm sure your all time dream was to be a police officer and that dream was a short one for you. Some may ask what kind of police officer would you have grown to be, my answer to them is that you already were that police officer, willing to put his life on the line and defend others. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero and heroes never die. I'd like to end with a short poem for you and your loved ones:

"Those who we love and lose
Are no longer where they were before,
They are now wherever we are."
(Author Unknown)

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

November 14, 2007

Sarah just showed me this page and I've been reading the entries with tears streaming down my face.
I remember how Matt picked me up, twirled me around saying "Dodie Summer!" because he knew how I loved that season.
I look at the pictures of Matt, Mere, and myself having dinner on the patio in Alhambra, or us in England, drinking champagne on the boat as we toured The Broads, and Matt all dressed up to take Mere to the Prom in Salt Lake City.
So many wonderful memories of a handsome, fun, exceptional young man who loved life so much. He is held close in my heart.

dodie fraughton
mother-in-law

November 10, 2007

Matt,
Although I did not know you that well as a new officer, I was fortunate to get to know your family very well after that coward took you from us. You are our true hero. I will be forever grateful for the ultimate sacrifice that you gave to protect the rest of your brother and sister officers here in Burbank. I see the love of your family almost daily and know that they are so proud of you yet still mourn your sudden departure. Take care our blue angel.

BPD Officer
Burbank Police

October 29, 2007

Matt
Happy 30th Birthday to you! Thanks for all the wonderful memories we shared together in England. Emily and I miss you and reflect upon your memory all the time. We recently had a baby girl Kiley. Kiley will grow and learn what a true hero and great friend you are. We all miss you so much Matt.
Love John, Emily and Kiley

Officer John W. McCaul
Friend

September 1, 2007

Matt,

I remember standing next to you, at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, refusing to take the elevator to the top. I was so afraid of heights...the top of the tower seemed to reach into heavan. You gave me that silly smile and said, "you'll always regret it and I'll never let you forget it." So I followed you, around the large crowd of japanese tourists, to the front of the long line, where you explained to the ticket salesperson, how we couldn't wait in line, because "her fear of heights will catch up with her." Sure enough, we were allowed in. Despite my protests, stopping at the lower terrace was not enough, you were taking us to the TOP, "as high as they'll let us get!"

I wish I had a chance to thank you for insisting I see the sunset in Paris. My trip to France with you and Meredith is one of my most cherished memories. Thank you for teaching me how important it is to LIVE life. . . you lived each moment to it's fullest, always inspiring others by your passion for life, for fun, for adventure.

I know I will see you again, somewhere up there- high in the heavens. . . I'll thank you then.

Sarah Lewis

Family Friend

August 31, 2007

The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

August 9, 2007

I still think about you Matt. Your truly a hero. Thank you for all the good times we had in the Air force, and thank you for service. Miss you bud.

Trooper Robert Church
Massachusetts State Police/friend

May 24, 2007

In memory of a true hero...

The real heroes in this world today aren't the Eminems,Snoop dog's, Dr. Dre's or some overpaid basketball players. These idols that our youth are clinging to in reality lead them to the lifestyle of the real people that commit these types of crimes. They over glorify a dead end trap of self destructive lifestyles.

The real heroes are fine men and women that put there lives on the line everyday.

I attend church in Burbank and I remember the incident and funeral vividly.

Everytime I head Sunday morning eastbound on the 5 Fwy I look at your freeway memorial sign honoring you.

Most people may just drive by it now... But I remember you Officer Pavelka. You will be forever remembered as a true hero. Thank you for your service and committment

Police Officer Louis Lave
Los Angeles County Police Department

March 14, 2007

Hey Matt,
We think of you and talk about you on a daily basis. Your amazing family is always on our minds. Our department will never be the same without you. Our prayers are that your family will find some measure of peace as time goes on, and they will know you will never be forgotten. Your call sign "1L12" has been retired on Group 4, there will never be another like you. God Bless!

Deni, Fay & Brenda

BPD Group 4-Deni, Fay & Brenda
Burbank Police

February 20, 2007

Happy New Year Matty... I hope that 2007 brings your family a bit more peace and less heartache. Although I know it's probably impossible being as you are so loved and missed...

A friend

January 2, 2007

THANK YOU. REST IN PEACE MY BROTHER.

A FELOW OFFICER
ST. TAMMANY PARISH SHERIFFS OFFICE, LOUISIANA

December 30, 2006

Merry Christmas Matt!! You're still very much on our minds each and every day and we miss you man! We know you're watching out for us all and we're grateful. Lots of love to your Mom, Dad and family this holiday season. Our thoughts are with them.

God Bless...

The men & women of YOUR department, BPD

Your friends at BPD

December 25, 2006

Merry Christmas Matt, It must be one hell of a Christmas up there. We miss you so very much.

Love, Mom

Sue Pavelka
Mom

December 25, 2006

Matt,

I can't believe it has been 3 years! I will always remember the good times we had in England. Hope your family is doing well, I know they are because your looking down on them. Fellow blue beret, rest in peace.

SSgt Charles King, USAF
USAF SECURITY FORCES

November 24, 2006