Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dearest Precious Son,

I don't know if I can really focus to say what I want to say, but you understand, you always did. I can't stop the thought that has taken over my brain today that 6 years ago our life was still "normal". We still had you and each other with no clue that our life was going to be ripped to shreds the next day. I read a sentence just shortly ago that time doesn't heal the wound, it salts the wound. How true, it was such a confirmation of how it feels. How could such a wound possibly heal; we go on sometimes strong, sometimes not; sometimes swept along, sometimes resisting; sometimes laughing, often times crying. And always wondering how we can keep on going. Wanting you, needing you, loving you.

You will never leave my heart and I will always be more thankful than mortal words could ever express that you are my son.

Momma

September 15, 2010

Thinking of you and your family today and especially tomorrow. - FYI, I have twisted your Moms arm again this year..she's gonna do the haunted house with me, much to Jenny and Jessica's dismay. Your mom is really good at screaming!

Karen
Harriman Police Deptartment

September 15, 2010

While none of this group (except Ms. Joseph) ever met you in person we are proud to be named in your honor.

Harriman Explorer Post 920
Harriman Police Deptartment

September 15, 2010

I love you more than ever; the world has a hole that can never be filled by anyone else. Matthew, amazing man, amazing life.

Anonymous

September 15, 2010

It doesn't even seem possible that nearly six years have gone by. I miss you each and every day. You will never be forgotten my brother in blue.

Anonymous

September 13, 2010

Somedays I wish I could just see your smile or feel your hug...Somedays I just wish I could hear you laugh...Somedays I wish you could tell me everything will be okay...then I remember...if I look in my heart, I find you there with all the smiles, hugs, and laughs I need. Love you always.

Anonymous

September 5, 2010

Officer Rittenhouse I check the ODMP page on a regular basis and have known Officers that are listed on it. I was reading comments from your friends and your family and was struck with a sense of the loss your friends and family must be feeling. You are about the age of my own son, who is also a Police Officer here in Florida. I can only imagine the pain your mother feels for her loss. I know you are resting in the arms of angels and are at peace. Keep wrapping your arms and spirit around your mother, I know she feels your presence. Rest in peace my brother, you made a difference.

Special Agent T.D. Holcomb
Norfolk Southern Railroad Police

August 15, 2010

Missing you terribly.

Anonymous

August 14, 2010

matt...my office at work smells like a dead mouse...and it has for the past few weeks :( i have looked everywhere for what might be causing the smell...i can't find a thing. i also keep swalling stitches that are in my mouth. that pretty much sums up my day my dearest. at least i'm laughing...gagging, but laughing. LOVE YOU FOREVER!

Anonymous

August 9, 2010

What a precious moment in my day today when Amanda came over to me in Wal-Mart. To hear your name, to get a hug (sent straight from you I know), no one can know what that means to me. I know it's hard for people to know what to do, but I am always thinking of you, loving you, missing you, so when that special encounter happens it lifts my heart and makes you that much closer thanks to them and you. ( There has to be such a special connection between a dispatcher and their officer....thank you Amanda for your hug, your tears and your connection with Matthew that continues.)

My precious Son, I send you my love always, and a smile

Momma

July 22, 2010

Well, I finally said hi to your mom today in Walmart. Of course, I had to cry my eyes out when I did. I can also hear you saying, "you're a big wuss!". Yeah yeah, but I couldn't help it. You are real special to me and sometimes your memory just hits me in the face and I have no control over my emotions. Just wanted to drop in and say hi though. Oh...I almost forgot. I'm getting married next year! You'd like him. He's just as silly as you could be sometimes.

Miss you always




Linda,

I'm sorry I broke down on you today in Walmart but I couldn't pass by you anymore without saying hi. Like I told you earlier, Matt was really special to me. When I first started dispatching, he would test me to see how fast and efficient I was going to be multitasking. I think he just went to a parking lot and ran every tag in it. But, I passed apparently :) Even though I'm not a dispatcher anymore, I still think back on those days and most of them are filled with the memories Matt. I promise that I'll never let those memories fade.

Amanda

Amanda Redmon

July 21, 2010

Matt

When I turned on my computer today your picture flashed on so I wanted to send you and your special mom a "thinking of you" message. I am grateful that you and all our beloved officers are remembered on this site as your sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 11, 2010

By reading the many posts left for Matt it's very obvious to see what a great man he was and that he is still so loved and missed by many! Every time I come to the ODMP I can't leave without tears streaming down my face...tears of sympathy, tears of knowing how it feels to lose an LEO who you love. I lost a great friend/brother Shane Britton in 2000...EOW 07-19-200 also in a car accident while on duty and I remember the day like it was yesterday. I know from experience that although the days get easier the thoughts of our loved ones are ALWAYS there and always will be! I believe Shane was there to welcome Matt to the big department on the streets of gold and that they have become fast friends!

To the family of Officer Rittenhouse, I want you to know that I thought of your son and brother today and wanted to let you know that I was thinking about all of you. I'm sure that Matt is so proud of all of you and is watching over each one of you everyday. Although the days may pass and the years may go by he will never be forgotten. One day we will get to see our loved ones again when they welcome us home forever.

Melissa

July 8, 2010

You and all of your family and friends are in my thoughts on this holiday which you helped protect and preserve. Hero’s like you will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

July 4, 2010

Things have been so completely crazy last night, and for the past 2 weeks, I have been kicking myself for not getting on to wish you Happy Birthday. But you were in my thoughts...actually, you are in them a lot. Though my life is complete, and I have everything I ever hoped for-I wish you were hear to say those same words. We could exchange stories about our babies, the crazy things that happened at work (because I know you would have a million), to talk about how amazing our parents and siblings are...but God had much bigger plans for you. I know heaven must be amazing, and I know that oneday we will be able to catch up. Love always...

Anonymous

May 28, 2010

Just wanted to thank your Mom for writing on Clint's site, Linda, I know what you mean when you said you smiled at Clint and Matt yesterday morning on your way out the door. I still have Matt's picture right beside Clint's and that's where it will stay. I think of Matt often, and I know how much you miss him, I think that pain will be with us forever.
And Officer Rittenhouse I see where you had a birthday just recently, happy belated BIRTHDAY, you will never be forgotten.
Linda the picture you sent me was one of Matt in his police car, I do like that picture.

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

May 27, 2010

Dear Linda ~

Thank you for the post you left on Jesse's page.....and you are right, I'm surrounded by so much love from Jesse and from Michael.....I feel truly blessed.

And a belated happy birthday to you, Matt. Keep watch over your loved ones and know that you have not been forgotten.

Carin E. Sollman
widow of Jesse E. Sollman, EOW 3/25/05

May 22, 2010

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today, Police Officer Memorial Day. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and friends. I know every day your loved ones think of you as they carry their love and those special memories of you in their hearts. I came across a quote someone sent me and would like to leave it for your Mom.

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expeneded and a dull ache remains."

Thank you for being the hero that you are. You have not beenn forgotten.

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

May 15, 2010

Happy Birthday, Matt.

Bea

May 12, 2010

Happy Birthday Matt. I miss you more everyday. You are always on my mind and in my heart.

Vickie Murphy
Friend

May 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Matt! We are still hanging in there buddy...

Deputy Chris Massengill
Roane County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Matt. We are here in Annapolis on our way to D.C.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Matt Rittenhouse.

Explorer Post 920
Harriman Police Department

May 11, 2010

Happy Birthday Matt.

Karen
HPD

May 11, 2010

hey bro, i got your two pennies you sent about a month ago...i love you and i felt you so close...

now it's your birthday (happy birthday, hunk) and in a few days we leave for washington...i love going up there...i feel so close to you, like it's just you and me (no matter that there are thousands of others...) i love and miss you everyday...
and even tho you're not physically here on earth, i still believe we make memories...and one day i'll run over to you and we'll start laughing as you pick me and swing me around~mom will yell at us and we'll laugh harder~when you put me down we'll start to talk about all the things that have happened throughout the years, and we'll never stop...

jessica
'lil sis

May 11, 2010