Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

nothing is harder. But stand fast and remember. In your job.
Anything can happen.
Never not be afraid,or think it is ok.
Till they are in Jail, anything can happen
with a key or gun, you have to stay alert. always.
so that dosen't happen again

September 9, 2004

MATT, EVERY TIME I TRY TO SLEEP I CAN STILL HEAR YOU SAY "PRIORITY 4-5, MY PARTNER HAS BEEN SHOT!!".. I HAVE WORKED WITH YOU MANY TIMES IN THE PAST, SO I KNOW THAT YOU AND JENN DID EVERYTHING RIGHT THAT NIGHT. NO ONE CAN CONTROL A MONSTERS ACTIONS.... SO FROM 02-16-2004 UNTILL I JOIN YOU GUYS ON HEAVANS PATROL, I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU TWO AS MY PARTNERS.

-MY LOVE AND TRUE REPECT JASON..

POLICE OFFICER JASON SKOCZYLAS
DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

September 8, 2004

Matt,
You will never be forgotten. Your family in blue will see to that. You and your partner (Jennifer) will forever be on patrol from above watching over all of your brothers and sisters in blue. Say Hi to Officer Mark Sawyers (SHPD EOW 6/5/04) for all of us.

You are gone but NEVER forgotten.

Mike Speelman
SHEP

Mike Speelman
Sterling Heights Emergency Patrol

September 2, 2004

Matt,
Although you are gone, you are not forgotten. From the passion you had for your duty to the pride you had for your department, it will reign on forever in the hearts of all who knew you and had the privilege of working with you. It is a sad moment to hear those terrifying words "Officer Down", but we know for every call that goes out for an Officer Down in Detroit you will be there watching over them and all of us. My deepest sympathy goes out to your father, after watching him at your memorial service and the pain and pride in his eyes, I know that you will be greatly missed by your family as well as your friends and fellow officers.

Special Agent Kelly P. Cresswell
S.E.P.P.F.R. Special Fugitive Recovery Unit

August 26, 2004

Your dedication, courage, and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your family are in my prayers. Peace be with you brave young peace officer.

Sincerely,
Sharon Atkins, Identical Twin Sister of Norfolk Officer Sheila Herring killed in the line of duty January 16, 2003

August 17, 2004

Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrafice and for your courage. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Patorlman
City of Warrenville Police, IL

August 15, 2004

Matt and Jennifer,
To lay down your life in the defense of others is the ultimate sacrifice. Both of you are an inspiration to me. This is a war that will never end. However, for every officer who falls, there are 10 more in line who will pick up where they left off. My prayers are with you and your families. Godspeed and may you watch over the rest of us as we pick up where you left off.

Matt
Law Enforcement student and Future Officer
Dearborn, Mi

MATT
Law Enforcement student and Future Officer

July 8, 2004

Matt and Jennifer,
To lay down your life in the defense of others is the ultimate sacrifice. Both of you are an inspiration to me. This is a war that will never end. However, for every officer who falls, there are 10 more in line who will pick up where they left off. My prayers are with you and your families. Godspeed and may you watch over the rest of us as we pick up where you left off.

Matt
Law Enforcement student and Future Officer
Dearborn, Mi

MATT
Law Enforcement student and Future Officer

July 8, 2004

Rest easy, Brother; you are not forgotten.

S/A G.Rowe Jr
RR Police Department NJ DIV

July 7, 2004

Yet another death of a true freedom fighter. In my eyes Officer Bowens gave his life for the safety and freedom of the United States and not just for the City of Detroit. Thank you Officer Bowens for your commitment and courage.

Brent
civilian - Josephine County, Oregon

June 20, 2004

Matt, Our prayers go out to you, your family, and the men and women of DPD. God speed to our brother in blue. We will continue the battle against evil in your name. You are truely in good hands now - 10-42 to our brother - we love you.....

Steven Guibord, Chief/Naples Police, Utah (former Michigan PO)

Jackie Guibord, Inv/SISB/Provo Police, Utah

Chief Steven Guibord
Naples Police

May 14, 2004

Matt, although we never met; we all are in the same family. We are
depply saddened at yet another loss of one our brothers. Like you, I
came on the job at 19. While most other 19 year old's were out at
"college frat parties" we chose another path.....the one rarely taken.
Now, only eight years later, I've seen far too many names be added to
the fallen. The sad reality is that this will not end; but it is because of
true hero's like yourself that the rest of us march on. Brother, thank you
for your honorable service; you will not be forgotten. May you rest in
peace and watch over us.

Cpl. John Halligan #8020
Philadelphia Police Dept.

April 20, 2004

You are a true hero to everyone. My prayers go out to your family.

Nathan Myers
Future Police Officer

April 13, 2004

To the Officer Bowens family, friends, and the Detroit Police Department. You have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has one more shining star. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. Thanks Officer Bowens for all you have done for your brothers and sisters; rest in peace.

Patrol Officer
Prince George's County, Maryland

April 13, 2004

I found this on Officer Scott Stewart's memorial. I think it says it all.


A Million Times
A million times we've needed you,
A million times we've cried.
If love alone could've saved you,
You never would have died.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place,
No one else will ever fill.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go lone.
Part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

Anonymous

April 7, 2004

My heart and prayers go out to Matt and Jennifers family and to the Detroit Police Dept.

I have tried to write this three times now and words just dont seem to be enough.......so let me just say what I can...Both Matt and Jenn are true HERO'S!!! They were out there doing what they felt was their life calling.

In saying that I can also say their deaths are not in vain... My son and his friend have had their applications in with the DPD and have not been called yet.....but while waiting for this call they are taking college classes and I have seen determination truely sparked in them after hearing of Matt and Jennifers senseless killing.

On the day of Matt and Jenns funeral my son and his friend were down at the DPD re-applying to be part of the DPD!! They have become so determined to make sure that the bad guys wont win!!

Mom of future police officer

April 5, 2004

I am saddened to the deaths of more law enforcement officers. I hate that we are living in such a cruel world. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Officer Bowens.

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...

Officer Bowens, you were way too young to have to leave this earth. Thank you for the service you gave to your community.

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

April 4, 2004

To all Family, Friends, and Co Workers of this Officer:

On Behalf of myself, and the Family of Police Officer Daniel Starks (Ft Myers Fl, E/O/W 10-25-03) we want you to know that you are all in our prayers! The Lord will sustain you as you go through this difficult, and trying time, but just remember your loved one is being cared for in Heaven, and is now eternally safe. We hope that you all remain as strong as possible, and know that we are all thinking of you. No words are quite ever adequate, but Police Officers make the ultimate sacrifice everyday, and our hope, and prayer is that they will always be remembered for their heroic efforts, and kind hearts.
Blessings Always,
Jessica Ruhl (Daniel’s Fiancée) & the Family of Officer Daniel Starks

March 30, 2004

Matthew you died a warrior,your loss is not in vain.We meet again.God Speed to you Brother

SGT.TONY SCHIOZZI
NYPD

March 24, 2004

It was horrible to hear that the death penalty bill was struck down last week in Michigans State House. I was hoping that for Officer Bowen's and Officer Fettig's memory that this time it would pass.

We can only keep praying that eventually people will open there eyes and know that innocent lives are taken everyday like this in our world. And until our state offers some sort of deterence to this horrible crime our officers will not be safe.

Officer Bowens- I am so sorry that your killer will get to live the rest of his natural life behind bars. He doesn't deserve it. And I am so happy and proud of your family for taking a stand for the death penalty. In the midst of their grief they thought of others. I will never forget you because of them.

March 22, 2004

To The Family and friends of Matt-
I think of Matt everyday..My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. God Bless.
Sincerely..Karol Fitzgerald ( Jenny's aunt/godmother)

Karol Fitzgerald
Officer Jennifer Fettig

March 21, 2004

"A Part of America Died"

Somebody killed a policeman today,
and a part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect,
will be buried with him at his side.

The suspect that shot him will stand up in court,
with counsel demanding his rights.
While a young widowed mother must work for her kids,
and spend many long, lonely nights.

The beat that he walked was a battle field too,
just as if he'd gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won't fly at half mast,
to his name they will add a gold star.

Yes, somebody killed a policeman today,
in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
a cop put his life on the line.

Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
and he stands at each new rookie's side.
He answered the call, of himself gave his all,
and a part of America died.

Anonymous

March 20, 2004

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 Officer Bowens 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

March 20, 2004

Dear Matt,
I just want to say thanks for trying to help our niece/your partner Jennifer that awful morning of February 16th. May both of you enjoy your place with God in heaven. Take care of each other.
To the Bowens family let me know what we can do to help with the Bowens-Fettig bill (petition)-we can't let their deaths be for nothing. God bless all of you.

Gail M Pabst

March 19, 2004

Officer Bowens,

You, and Officer Fettig, gave your all for a noble cause that we all hope to uphold. Your bravery that night amazes me. I am a law enforcement student in Ohio, and I cannot wait until I'm out protecting the area I patrol. I was reading the paper one day after I was done with class, and I came across an article about Officer Fettig and yourself. After I read the article, I got online and read more about it on the Detroit Free Press' webpage. After reading about you, I was overwhelmed with the similarities between the two of us. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting you, I feel like I've lost a friend because of your passing away. Your passing leaves me speechless, as I am now trying to write down all my feelings into one respectful posting. I have the utmost respect for you, as you died trying to protect your partner. You are a hero to many, and I hope you rest in peace. You died much to young, but I hope to be able to continue the tradition of excellent officers. Rest in Peace Officer Bowens, you will be missed. God Bless.

Matt, A law enforcement student in Ohio

March 18, 2004