Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I salute you and your partner for your bravery and dedication to duty. You will never be forgotten as a hero never dies. Your loved ones think of you every day and will do so for as long as they walk this earth. Keep watch over your loved ones and protect them and guide them in their every day life. You are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon, Asst. Chief, Retired

July 22, 2006

Tomorrow is our 3rd Annual Bowens Memorial Golf Outing bro, I hope you smile down and enjoy seeing all the wonderful people that are out there supporting our cause. Dad and I spend a crazy amount of time and energy into this event every year but I wouldn't trade it for the world. In some small way, I feel like it keeps you alive, if that makes any sense. I just had a message from the A.P. saying a State Rep in Lansing just re-introduced the bill we tried getting passed. It seems like it's your way of saying thanks for how hard we worked on this. I don't know if those Democrats up in Lansing will ever let us get it on the ballot but you know we won't EVER quit on you or Jen's memory. I love you Matt and I will be doing PLENTY of Jager Bombs for the both of us tomorrow. Thanks for the great weather and give mom a hug. We all miss ya more than any words could ever say. You truly were the greatest man I ever knew. Weird that my baby brother is my hero :-) Love ya kid....Jason

(and thanks for the messages below. I know Krup VERY well and I have been up to Uncle Ray's several times....I'll have to take ya up on those Bombs...Matt wouldn't have it any other way!)

June 16, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are always with you......

Banu
St.Louis

June 15, 2006

Dear Matt,I just read some of your reflections.Most of them from your brothers.I can see what a special guy you are to your family and friends. I just recently found this site my baby brother is on here now. I bet you two are up there taking care of business. Please take care of each other up there. Hi Jason and James, my name is Madonna my brother has been gone for three months now,he also was a police officer. he had a massive heart attack and passed away on 4/7/06. He was working out doing pts for the swat team while on duty.When Iread how your brother passed, I just got so upset.It's so tragic to lose someone that way. I'm so sorry. My prayers are with you and your family.And will always be. When I saw his picture,my heart just fell,he was just a baby,like my brother.I just don't understand.I just wanted to say HI and that I thinking of you all.My brothers memorial page is under Anthony M.Andrews. Ok TONY AND MATT, we're counting on you guys to look out for each other and for us. YOU ARE BOTH SO MISSED AND SO LOVED. GODSPEED.Madonna K. Andrews,sister of CPRL.ANTHONY M. ANDREWS

Madonna K Andrews
Friend

June 13, 2006

Jason (Matt's Big Brother),
First of all, let me begin by saying I turly don't know exactly what you are going through. I am truly sorry for the loss of your brother Matt. I have an older brother Jason as well and it really hits home as I read your reflections about Matt. I don't know for sure if I ever had a conversation with your brother or not. He played softball on a team sponsored by my fathers bar in Dearborn Heights --Uncle Ray's. I am friends with Gary Krupinski and he recently told me that the softball team would go up to Ray's after their games and that Matt enjoyed doing Yager Bombs with the guys. I don't know if you go out much or even live in the area but I would just like to personally invite you and your family up to Uncle Ray's and have some dinner (Friday night fish-fry) and have a Yager Bomb toast to your brother Matt. If you ever have time, don't hesitate to stop up.

P.S. Leave your money at home.

Officer Thomas
Dearborn Heights

June 13, 2006

Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.

Some days I wanna quit, and be normal for a bit,"
I don't understand why you have to always be gone,
I get along but the trips always feel so long,
And, I find myself trying to stay by the phone,
'Cause your voice always helps me to not feel so alone,
But I feel like an idiot, workin' my day around the call,
But when I pick up I don't have much to say,
So, I want you to know it's a little messed up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',
Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...

You know the place where you used to live,
Used to barbecue up burgers and ribs,
Used to have a little party every Halloween with candy by the pile,
But now, you only stop by every once and a while,
Shit, I find myself just fillin' my time,
With anything to keep the thought of you from my mind,
I'm doin' fine, I plan to keep it that way,
You can call me if you find that you have something to say,
And I'll tell you, I want you to know it's a little messed up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', at times debatin',
Me and the rest of the family here singing "Where'd you go?"

I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...

I want you to know it's a little messed up,
That I'm stuck here waitin', no longer debatin',
Tired of sittin' and hatin' and makin' these excuses,
For why you're not around, and feeling so useless,
It seems one thing has been true all along,
You don't really know what you've got 'til it's gone,

Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone.
Where'd you go?
I miss you so,
Seems like it's been forever,
That you've been gone,
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...
Please come back home...

Song: Where'd You Go
Artist: Fort Minor

Dan

June 5, 2006

It sounds like you are surrounded by good people who love you. May god bless your family

j.Reynolds

May 26, 2006

They said it got easier with time brother, that's what they "said"...........It still kills me knowing that monster eats and sleeps every day while I can't hug you or tell you how proud I am of my baby brother. I love you bro and I couldn't be prouder of you!!! Life can be a cruel, cruel journey at times but I know one day we'll be together again and that's what gets me through the pain. Give Mom a hug and tell her I love her and miss her dearly!

Jason

May 8, 2006

2+ years and I still can not begin to put into words the pain and sorrow I see those around you enduring. Not a day goes by when I don't pass a car with your badge on the window. You are an inspiration to so many people.

In my thoughts and prayers always.

God bless

J Kolbe
Ecorse Fire Department

May 4, 2006

God bless you, Matt, for the service you gave our city with your courage. I wish you could see how proud your Dad is of you. We all are... and I pray that life will be
generous to your Dad, just for taking you away too soon.
You are truly missed.

Donna Rundell
a mother of an officer

May 2, 2006

Officer Bowens, you are truly a hero thank you for being an inspiration to myself. Rest in peace blue angel. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

Andy
future p.o. with dpd

April 21, 2006

Officer Bowens..still thinking about you & your family & friends..hoping that they are able to move forward through the holidays with you not being here..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

mi state police recruit
farmington

April 19, 2006

Happy Easter!

Dan

April 18, 2006

Hey there Matt,

Long time no talk. Its hard to believe that its already been two years and still not a day goes by that your not on my mind. I still remember the last picnic for the police softball league and all the fun and jokes that went around. i had the biggest crush on you, i wish i could have told you. You missed the big party for my Dad's retirement. I know you were there in spirit and i know that my dad, your sgt, was thinking about you and jennifer as he said his speech and i know it brought a tear to my eye. You are forever in my heart and have made an impact on my life so much that you are permanantly tattoed on my back. Your badge surrounded with angel wings for my blue angel. and when the day comes you decide to take my dad with you, he will be placed on my back as well. But dont take him anytime too soon, i still like having him around. I know you are looking down upon us and i hope that you are smiling cuz we all miss you very much.

You will always live in our hearts and be our Blue Angel upon us.

We love you so very much!

<3
Lindsay

Lindsay Matuzak
Daughter of Retired Sgt. Mike Matuzak DPD

April 17, 2006

A lot of people are leaving us, police officers, soldiers, fire fighters,normal everyday people and Proof from the famous hip-hop band D12 was gunned down in Detroit. You probably saw him up there by now. Anyway, it should'nt be lonely up there with all those people around you. Anyway your passing is still on our minds, and we will never forget you. I'm always leaving reflections on here. Anyway see you later! :)

Dan

April 14, 2006

Happy 24th birthday!

Dan

March 25, 2006

We should be going out celebrating your 24th birthday tonight Matt. Days like this are extremely tough but I know you're smiling down on us. I miss you so much kid....you were the best. Give mom a hug and watch over us. You know James and I will be out celebrating for you tonight. We love you bro!!!

Your big brother,

Jason

March 25, 2006

Officer Matthew Bownes you are a true hero.

cadet
el paso county sheriff

March 10, 2006

Thank you, Officer Bowens, for your service to the citizens of Detroit, Michigan, and the USA. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Janice Brown
Conway, Arkansas
civilian

Janice Brown

February 26, 2006

As the second aniiversary of your tragic death passes, your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Matthew, you are truly a hero and you will not be forgotten. May you rest in peace in the loving arms of God.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

February 20, 2006

Artist: Robbie Robertson Lyrics
Song: Shine Your Light Lyrics

The cry of the city like a siren's song
Wailing over the rooftops the whole night long
Saw a shooting star like a diamond in the sky
Must be someone's soul passing by

These are the streets
Where we used to run where your Papa's from
These are the days
Where you become what you become
These are the streets
Where the story's told
The truth unfolds
Darkness settles in

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength
To carry on, carry on

Don't wanna be a hero
Just an everyday man
Trying to do the job the very best he can
But now it's like living on borrowed time
Out on the rim, over the line
Always tempting fate like a game of chance
Never wanna stick around to the very last dance
Sometimes i stumble and take a hard fall
Loose(?) hold your grip off the wall

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
Carry on

I thought i saw him walking by the side of the road
Maybe trying to find his way home

He's here but not here
He's gone but not gone
Just hope he knows if I get lost

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
To carry on

February 19, 2006

"Heroes never die,they just simply fade away"

-General Douglas Macarthur

February 17, 2006

It has been 2 years since you left. A lot of things have happened since you were gone. I remember everything like it was yesterday.You were young,too young.21 years old.Well in case you missed anything here is what happened.

In 2004 Ronald Reagan passed away.So did Ray Charles.You're probably hangin' out with them now.The Detroit Pistons won the NBA championship.

In 2005 The MLB All-Star game was hosted at Comerica Park in Detroit.Carrie Underwood won American Idol,and Eminem was taking a break from music to spend time with his kids.Rice became the Secretary Of State,and Rosa Parks passed away.

Now it is 2006, 2 years already. The Super Bowl was held at Ford Field in Detroit.The Pittsburgh Steelers won.One of the most important women in the Civil Rights movement,Coretta Scott King passed away.And the President gave his State Of The Union speech on Capitol Hill.And your father is doing a petition to get justice.I wish him well with it.

Oh,and that big old abandoned train station is now going to be a Detroit Police Station! If only you were here to see it,it would have been nice.

I will continue to update you on the events that pass by without you on every Feb-16 to come.

Time flys by so quickly,but relax and rest in peace,because you are not forgotten Blue Angel.

February 17, 2006

You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers as your two year anniversary in Heaven passes. Heroes never die...

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

February 17, 2006

2 years and it hurts like yesterday. You are missed everyday.

February 17, 2006