Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dearest Son,

Leaving 2010 behind, the years are just numbers that don't don't much sense anymore. Sometimes I find I have written a totally random year on a receipt form and I kind of shake my head and laugh at the craziness of it all. Every day is a day unto itself....one that holds you and all the precious times past, present, and yes, future of us as a family.....always-to borrow from the girls-fiercely connected.....NOTHING will EVER sever that wondrous gift that we were given of each other. I love you more than ever.......to eternity and beyond.....send me a hug tonight.

Momma

December 31, 2010

As 2010 ends, our hearts carry you into 2011. I know that in the year to come, you will bring laughter to my heart in those tough moments as you have the past 6 years. Give my mom a hug and remind her how much I love her...and please, show Trooper LeCroy around his new heavenly home.

Amy

December 31, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this Christmas Holiday. I know that tonight you will be the main topic of conversation of Christmas' past. I will have the Blue Light on in my window should you want to drop in for a short visit to hear some of our stories about my son, you are always welcome. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You have not been forgotten.

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

December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas Matt, thought about you during the Reach shopping night at Wal=Mart....one of your favorite times. I don't know who was more excited, you or the kids!!

You are always missed.

Anonymous

December 24, 2010

My Dearest Son Of my Life,

Another Christmas Eve here at the shop......already.....how in the world does time continue to go on like it does. I shake my head in disbelief, then in the same instant I remember you climbing up the ladder to decorate the top of the 12 foot tree for me, sweat pouring off of your face and one of your teachers walking in and laughing and shaking her head to see you up there. Next, the time you and Jenny went out to deliver together (what was I thinking?) and you were gone forever BECAUSE you not only fought at every delivery stop on who would get out of the car and take the flowers to the door, but you also saw Santa on the the side of the road and had to stop and get your picture taken with him. Or the year we caroled to some of our older, shut-in customers, just us five.....a precious memory of my precious children.....and now you see how Ethan and Ella have joined us with gusto complete with Elf Hat and Reindeer antlers and nose. I felt you right beside me at every house we went to and your arms in every hug that enveloped me.

I was thinking the other night that I seem to be getting "sillier" as time goes by......and that you approve. You continue to bring so much to my life that is you and you alone. The amazing love, caring, laughter, and acceptance that you brought full force into my life is something that can never be taken away from me. I will be forever grateful that I was given the gift of being your mother. I love you Matthew. Merry Christmas

Momma

December 24, 2010

Please tell Jess that her hair is just fine- not that I've seen it yet, but she will believe it if it comes from you. When I picked you up for Sarah's wedding you said your hair was WAY too short and looked bad- I told you your hair looked just fine, but you didn't believe me either. Nobody trusts my hair opinions... Send the message right to her heart tho- because that's the only way to get her...

I love you.

Jenny

December 17, 2010

Sooo...yea, Mom's like the Snow White of Tennessee, with her cute deer and bunny rabbits that visit her backyard, nibble on Dad's fruit trees, and just generally radiate adorability. I, on the other hand, can only stake a claim to dead lizards under my desk and nasty fat rats that have taken to eating my popcorn and creating irrational fears of a rat king attack. At least your friend attempted to come to the rescue last night. I love you bro, and I KNOW you're laughing hysterically at me.

Jess
'lil sis

November 16, 2010

I love you, I miss you. I do the crazy things I do for you....(and Karen :). I just know you were shaking your head and laughing at us last night....Karen said I was laughing so much it was more like a crazy house than a haunted house. As long as I can still laugh I can make it til I see you again Baby Boy.

Forever and Always I love you.

Momma

October 29, 2010

Hey bro...are you noticing how many people named their children "Anonymous"? Haha...the party on Sunday was incredible...I believe you were looking down on us. I held my own against Jason and Richard, huh? You were probably behind me and kept me from being bulldozed...or maybe our fighting in our younger years just made me tough. Anyway, I love you so much...and not a second goes by that I don't miss you. You continue to be the best brother a little sister could hope for...

Jessica
'lil sis

September 21, 2010

Just a note to you and your family to let you know that I'm thinking about you and remembering your sacrifice.

Carol Espinoza, Mother of Isaac Espinoza

September 20, 2010

Thanks for the extra boost today so Ethan and I could win!

Karen
Harriman Police Department

September 19, 2010

Hey Matt, can't believe it's been 6 years. But as I sit here typing this, it's raining outside and I remember that night all too well. Driving there, I remember how hard it was raining, the wind was blowing and all the time in the back of my mind I never would have thought it would have been you. I do miss you my friend, and think of you often. See you soon buddy..

Anonymous

September 16, 2010

I miss you right meow and always.

Anonymous

September 16, 2010

Remembering Matt on this 6th anniversary of his passing. Thank You Mr. And Mrs Rittenhouse for all you did for Susie and Will in Michaels memory, as well.

Lt. Teresa Smith
loudon County SHeriff Office

September 16, 2010

Matt,

I cant believe it has been six years. I still remember everything about that day. I remember you dropping by the house and I was walking back from the kitchen and being startled when I rounded the corner. I remember you sat there and we talked while I ate dinner. I never would have imagined that that would be the last time we would talk to each other. I often think about what crazy things we would be getting into if you were still here, or how you would react to things going on now. Sometimes I can hear you laugh or know what you would say in a certain situation. You can still make me laugh. I miss you brother.

Anonymous

September 16, 2010

Matt - No matter the time or the distance you will always be remembered by your family and friends. We pray and extra prayer for you family today. We pause a today as we do often to think of you and your crzy antics. You can never be replaced and will never be forgotten. We miss you buddy...

Deputy Chris Massengill
Roane County Sheriff's Office

September 16, 2010

As the years go by this never gets any easier. I cant remember a year since you left us that it hasnt rained on today. I know that you keep an eye out for me each day. Your memory lives on in all of us. I miss you brother, keep us safe.

Jason
Harriman Police

September 16, 2010

Matt,

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your family. I find myself laughing alot at some of the silly things we've done as police officers while working at Harriman. Things have changed, I am no longer the Ass Chief as you would call it. I work at RCSO as the Chief Deputy and wish you were here to be a part of our team. You will always remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office

September 16, 2010

Matt, Six years is a testamony to you and the reflections we all can see here.You are truely a special person and loved so very much.
My son is your age and I cant relate to the loss your family knows.
I know you find ways to touch them still.
Be at peace.

Anonymous

September 16, 2010

Matt, remembering you today in what I know is a most difficult day for your family. Your service to your community continues to be honored. You are missed every day.

Linda, I am going to Parents Retreat this year. Are you going? I would love to spend some time with you.

Rest in Peace, Matt.

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

September 16, 2010

Thinking of you and missing you today.

Amanda Redmon

September 16, 2010

Thinking of you and your family today, and Linda I still have Matt's picture right beside Clint's and I see it everyday. We will never forget the sacrifice Matt made that night or the sacrifice that you and your family live everyday. You are a hero Officer Matt Rittenhouse and we will never forget.

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

September 16, 2010

The day of your loss has arrived. Those that love you don't need a special day as I know they remember and miss you every day. Continue to watch over your loved ones, let them feel your presence so they know you are near. You will never be forgotten.

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

September 16, 2010

Every day is September 16th for me. But everyday is just as much about sliding down the stairs to the basement, watching MTV in secret while mom and dad were at the shop, running through the yard fighting with brooms, debating whose turn it was to get out of the van to deliver, being thankful when you helped me push my giant wedding dress into the car in the church parking lot--in the rain, when everyone else had left us, and knowing you couldn't care less when you blew out the motor in your prized car the day Ethan was born...

There is no one else like you. That makes me proud- because you are MY little brother. And I know I get to tell you my new stories one day and I will listen to yours...and things will be right again.

Best brother ever--never want to trade you.

Jenny

September 15, 2010

You are NEVER forgotten.

Anonymous

September 15, 2010