Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just wanted you to know that I have not forgotten you, and I never will. Your picture still sits with Clint's in our Living Room, most people think it's Clint when they first see it but I tell them that it's Officer Matt Rittenhouse from Harriman P.D. Tennessee. I also have my blue candles burning.
I know that today is no easier than it was two years ago for your mom and dad and family. Take care of them and watch over them, tell Clint we love him and miss him.

Connie Barker Fort Walton Beach, Fl
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04 Prattville, Al

September 16, 2006

Two years, even though you are not here you are here with us always. Missing you so...

Jama

September 16, 2006

Today is two years since you left us. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and your funny ways. Your mom doesn't forget any of our birthdays she brought some delicious food to the Sheriff's Office for my B-day. I see your family very often at various events honoring fallen heros like you. I am planning to ride in the upcoming Police Unity ride to help honor fallen officers. Chief Joe and Jessica has inspired me to give it a try. Jason Mynatt is also wanting to do the ride. I actually bought my road bike today just need to start training for the long trip. Matt we miss you so much.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office

September 16, 2006

Matt, I gotta tell you man, it does not seem like its been 2 years. I miss you as much today as I ever have, and I thought today was going to be really hard and it was until I got home from the PD and watched the dvd your family made me, mine was the only one with our video on it from 330 am on aug 30 of '03, watching us acting like that, like we always acted makes me miss you even more but also makes me laugh harder than I have since that night. Words can't say how much you and your family means to me, I'll always be there for them and I know they will be for me too. I love you man, and I'll see you later.

Kasey

September 16, 2006

TO MATT'S FAMILY:
TODAY IS A HARD DAY FOR YOU. THE MEMORIES OF THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THE ACCIDENT START RUSHING BACK TO YOUR MIND. YOU REMEMBER THE LAST DAY YOU SAW HIM, TALKED WITH HIM. THE VOID WILL NEVER BE FILLED. A VOID THAT YOU KEEP AT ARMS LENGTH, BUT AT TIMES IT TRIES TO GET CLOSE TO YOU AND YOU PUSH IT AWAY BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT IT IS GRIEF THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OVERCOME. THAT VOID IS WHERE MATT SHOULD BE. I KEEP THAT VOID AT ARMS LENGTH BECAUSE I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FUNCTION IF I LET IT CLOSE TO ME. THAT VOID BRINGS HURT AND PAIN.
YOU THINK OF "WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN". YOU THINK OF WHAT HE COULD HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN HIS LIFE. THE JOY HE HAD DOING HIS JOB, SERVING AND PROTECTING. THE JOY HE BROUGHT YOUR FAMILY AND HOW PROUD YOU WERE AND ARE OF HIM.
TODAY I CRY WITH YOU AS I THINK OF DON AND MATT. KNOW THAT I AM THINKING OF YOU TODAY AND PRAYING THAT GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE COMFORT AND STRENGTH FOR TODAY.
GOD BLESS.

LORRAINE BOND (MOTHER)
HAMILTON COUNTY TN. SHERIFF DEPUTY:
DONALD K. BOND, JR.
EOW: 09.06.01

September 16, 2006

I have a candle burning today for you. My thoughts are with your loved ones on this day. You have been in their thoughts every hour of every day for the past 2 years. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over them, especially today.

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

Bob Gordon

September 16, 2006

Your family has been in my thoughts this week, as September 16th got closer. I know in some respects, these last two years have seemed like an eternity, yet the details of September 16th, 2004 remain so vivid in their minds, that it could have been yesterday. I hope to see your parents in a few weeks at Parent's Retreat.

Norie Haas

Norie Haas

September 16, 2006

Of course this morning I see my typo. And I have to fix it... you know me...
Matt, I love you more than the world. This day and every day. It is what our mother told to us and it is what I tell to my children. It is all there is when everything falls away. We are so fortunate you are part of our family. You ARE our hearts. And we love you more than the world will ever know.

Jenny

September 16, 2006

It used to be that everyday that passed after you died seemed to take you farther and farther away. And I was sometimes angry, but mostly terrified of what life would become without you. But you are closer than ever now- I feel it. I talk to you and I know you hear me. I move forward because that is where you are. I move forward because I want to feel your arm around my shoulders again the way I know your brothers have their arms around you now. I want to hear your stories and smile when you laugh. No one tells stories quite like you did... the ones I would roll my eyes at or laugh til my stomach hurt.

I miss you so very much- but even more than that I am proud of you and I love you.

Your sister who loves you more thank the world (a close tie with the little sister, I know)
Jenny

Jenny Rittenhouse-Guinn

September 15, 2006

Matt, not a day goes by that I dont hear something or see something that reminds me of you. The memories I have of you are still so clear in my mind that it doesnt seem like you were called from us two years ago. I remember them like they were yesterday. Me and JM talk about you all the time. I wish more than anything that you were here with us. I pray for your family to continue to be stong. Continue to watch over us Matt and know that we have not forgotten you.

J. Joseph

September 15, 2006

Matt; Never met you , however, I did and won the big race in your memory! What a tribute to a great guy. Your community and family are something to be proud of. Your mom mailed me a nice packet, and your father sure lit up when he spoke of you at the race. I hope to bring some buddies down for next years race and make a weekend out of it. You and your family are in my prayers, I will be thinking of you in a few days (16 Sep). I also always think of you visiting Sonic! Take care buddy!

Johnny Brown
friend

September 12, 2006

To Matt's Mom, I found this wonderful site just recently, as our city (Cleveland, Oh.) buried another young officer. As I read your many beautiful messages to your son, I can't help but think of my own relationship w/ my only son, David. When he was sworn in as a deputy sheriff this summer, he made the 4th generation of LEO's in our family. My dad spent 48 yrs. w/ the Cleveland PD. Police work is just in our blood, and my son has had it in his heart to enter this profession almost as far back as I can remember. Now that his dream is a reality, I find myself struggling w/ fear daily. Truly, it is difficult 4 me to even imagine how you carry on in the wake of such a devastating loss. But 4 what it is worth, please know that others are thinking and praying 4 you each day of your most difficult journey, and especially now as we approach the 2nd anniversary of your loss. Blessings to you and yours, Joanie

Joanie
Mother, daughter, sister, and granddau. of LEO's

September 12, 2006

I've been going through some of your papers again, anything to help get me through this week. This is a poem one of the high school kids wrote for you right after the accident, one of the teachers brought it to me. I don't know her, but you do. I hope she knows I treasure it.

FRIEND AND PROTECTOR

While his last breath is gone
his memory lives on
in the hearts of us left here
and those who hold him dear
He was our friend and protector
our authority figure and mentor
In his short time
he brought justice and fought crime
He protected our streets
and brought in creeps
He maintained peace and order
and watched our corridors
He was barely over twenty
and friend to many
He was protector to all
who gave the police a call
He's made his last call
for he now walks in God's hall
At last our friend and protector
is at rest with his creator
We'll miss you sorely
and remember you always.

Kim Valdez

Thank you Kim,
Love,
Linda Rittenhouse, Matt's Mom Forever

September 9, 2006

Soon it will be the 2nd anniversary of your end of watch. I know it has been a very long year for those that love you. Some people will say it seems like yesterday, but for others it has been a lifetime, a world that time has stopped moving. You are a true hero and heroes never die and you will always be remembered by those that love you and the Blue Family will always be sure you are never forgotten. I know your mother, like myself, would trade places with our sons in a heart beat so that you could both be here to live out your life long dream of being police officers. I know Jesse did not become a cop so he could be a rich man, as we all know cops just don't make that kind of money. He did it because he had the heart to do it. Thats the special something a good cop needs to spend a number of years on the job - Heart. It's not the cop he was going to become in 10 or 15 years, he already was that special policeman. Jesse, keep watch over your loved ones and wrap your wings around them to help them with their grief as the terrible day approaches. Stay close to them and protect them. You are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father

September 2, 2006

Matt, Today was my first official day at HPD. I know there is no possible way that I could ever fill Fluff's shoes but I'll do my best. Anyway, I have to tell you, your mom made my day today. What a kind and thoughtful mom you and your sisters have. I had been so nervous about all the changes at the department and then came your mom bearing all sorts of goodies for us. I so appreciate your family! Help keep watch over us, tell my dad hi, and remember...no cheating up there at paintball.

Karen B. Joseph/HPD 952-clerk
Harriman Police Department

September 1, 2006

The best memory I have is crashing through that barn at 80mph; destroying a barn dukes of hazard style in 1999, then driving off after realizing we all lived, I don't think you could have a better memory. What else would you expect crusing with a cousin. The Dukes of Hazard couldn't touch it.
P.S. I am still going to kick your soul's ass for telling me to light that cherry bomb and stand next to it because it made "a lot of smoke" when I was 6... I still can't here out of that ear.

August 30, 2006

Matt, I didnt know you all that well but the times i got to talk to you, you always found a way to make me smile. Ill never forget you and the times i talked to you in the mcds dt. God bless the Rittenhouse family

Vicki Puckett

August 27, 2006

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for your service and for your friendship with my brother Billy. I met you a long time ago with Bill and I am sorry it took so long to write but as you know we lost Bill a couple mounths ago we love you both may God bless and keep your family safe in His arms. Bill's little sister
Lynn

August 27, 2006

Hey,Matt... I got some exciting news the other day. I found out I am going to be an aunt. Can you believe that little Erin is going to have a baby? I know you would be so excited for her because ya'll always had a special relationship even when ours wasn't at its best! But I understand now that excitement you would get every time you talked about uncle stuff. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers daily. There will be a whole in all our hearts that could never be filled...the place where your laugh, your smile, your bear-hugs, your goodness is supposed to be. I will always love you.
Amy

August 24, 2006

Mrs. Rittenhouse,

I checked my brother's page on this, his 2nd anniversary, and found the lovely note you left for our family. We know, only too well, the pain your family must be feeling as September draws near. I will remember you today, and say a prayer for your strength as I have seen my own parents' grief and for your two daughters, as my sister and I have a bond that strengthens us.

May God bless you and give you peace that only He can give.

Lisa K.

Lisa Kralik
Sister of Officer Jonathan Walsh EOW 8/20/04

August 21, 2006

Matt, your thought of so often, your smile and sense of humor are missed so very much. In alot of ways I see you through your friends, you made an impression on so many lives, and for the mark you left in my life, I thank you!
I pray for peace and joy to rest upon your family.

Angie
friend

August 19, 2006

I found a very sweet poem today and I thought of you as I often do. Linda, this is for you too..

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.

No farewell words were spoken.
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before I knew it
and only God knows why.

My heart aches with sadness
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to know and love you,
everyone you touched will know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
to remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you will never ever be forgotten,
I pledge to you today-
A hallowed place within my heart
is where you will always stay.

I love you my brother..

Bea

August 16, 2006

Dear Linda:

I was thinking of you and Matt today as I was posting some reflections for families who recently suffered the same tragedy that befell our families. When I read your most recent reflection, I started to cry. Sometimes it is so hard to make sense of things anymore and a part of me wants to push all my other responsibities aside and just hide from the world. Then I hear my beloved's voice telling me to get it together again so I do. When our lives have been graced with sons who had such a passion for life like Matt and Larry, it is hard to feel that passion when their glaring absence tears at our heart.

The trial also has such a stranglehold on our lives as all plans have to be made around it. We are on our third continuance and the trial is now set for the first week of January.

In Washington, I asked you if you were going to the parent's retreat. I hope you have decided to do that. My understanding is that you are allowed as little or as much private time as you want.

Love to you and Jessica and the rest of the family. I am sending hugs from the West Coast to Tenn.

Your friend,

Phyllis

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 15, 2006

Hey Matthew!!! It's been a long time! I just found this website today, actually (nice pitcure, you look so handsome)! I was talking to my dad, and wondering when it was, the anniversary of the day we lost you. I couldn't remember. I remember getting the news though, I was shocked, how could this happen?? It was my dad, who told me, "Matthew was in a car accident" he said. "Is he going to be okay?" I asked him. Then he told me that you had passed away, and I cried. I think of you a lot...I miss you. I know it sounds strange, as we only knew each other for a short period, but you are the kind of person one never forgets. I will never forget you. I remember the time, we went to Atlanta for Barry's wedding, (I have pictures of me carrying you on my back, all 115 pounds of me.) then we met your whole family somewhere in between your house and Barry's, and we went to the Cracker Barrel...I'm using the restroom, and suddenly I hear a familiar voice over the intercom...it's you, welcoming everyone to the Cracker Barrel, and thanking everyone for eating and hoping that they've enjoyed their meals. That's my favorite Matthew story...Then there's the time we all went to Dollywood, and we all got in for free! What a blast! I miss you Matthew! I will check in from time to time, just to say hello.

You have forever left a stamp on my heart.

Love,
Rachel

Rachel Chally
Friend

August 14, 2006

Hey Baby Boy,

It's Sunday afternoon, still always one of the worst days of the week to get through. The sadness just weighs on me. I sit on the swing and close my eyes pretending I see your patrol car pull up into the end of the driveway and you get out and start walking up to the house with that sauntering walk of yours. I didn't go to church today, I just needed to be alone for a while. Chief Joe and his precious family left yesterday morning after spending a few days with us. I remember I used to wonder what in the world you would be like when you were 40. I think a lot like Joe. He told us stories of when he was a younger officer and some of the things he and his buddies did and I would sit and look at him now, so responsible, so still loving his job , and think of what you would have been. He would hold little Joe and Kelly in his lap while he talked and I would picture it being you. It was wonderful having them here; I find myself always wondering now what would be happening in our lives, what would we be doing with our life, if the accident had not happened. Because everything is always seen, experienced, judged, and lived through the fact of being without you here now. I try to remind myself of how deeply and wonderfully you loved and honor you by living up to my commitment of wife, mother, ma,......other times I want to scream until by heart finishes breaking just so I can see you again. A lot of changes are getting ready to happen and you know how I hate change, so I am having to fight getting all panicky about it since there is nothing I can do about it.
I love you Son, More than the World, Forever and Always.

Momma

Momma

August 13, 2006