Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brian,
I met your Mom this past weekend on the COPS WALK. I know you were with her all 25 miles of the walk. She was unsure how she would do walking that far but I know how proud you were of her when she finished on Sunday...and she was still smiling! As you know, she misses you so much. I hope she found some peace while walking along that beautiful trail with all of us other survivors. I know some other Moms talked with her; only a Mom knows what losing their child feels like. I will keep your family in my prayers!

Denise
Survivor of Trooper Calvin Taylor

October 18, 2008

Dear Brian,

Three years ago today, we gathered to pay our formal respects to you and to accompany you to your resting place. Please know that we continue to pay our respects to you each and every day in our hearts. You will never, ever be forgotten. Your fellow officers and friends proved that to your mom and dad just a few days ago. What a touching tribute they paid to you. Brian, you touched so many lives and had so much to give to mankind. These past three years have been deeply painful and empty. I wish with all my heart that you could have enjoyed 25,000 more sunsets with your loved ones.

A few words for your parents: Thelma and Ronnie, you raised a fine son. Always remember how much your Brian loved you and how he is looking after you from above. With my entire being, I wish that we were sharing the joys of our two children building a life together rather than enduring this heartache.

"Love is not about who you live with...it's about who you can't live without." (Author Unknown)

We send all our love to you. Until next time...

Mrs. M.

October 4, 2008

Some of your fellow officers came to see us today. A couple of them came to the door and asked us if we wanted to walk up to see you. When I looked out the door I had to step back. There were people all around your resting place. We walked up and greeted them. They brought you a beautiful wreath. Brian, your buddies were there, they have not forgotten you. We all held hands and LT prayed a beautiful prayer. We were very touched and greatful.

I am going to walk for you in the COPS walk in October. A mother wants to always do things for her child and I thought this was a good thing to do for my Brian. I miss you sooo much. The pain is more than I think I can bare, but I try to go on like I know you would want me to do. Life will never be the same without you.

Anonymous

September 30, 2008

You are greatly missed.

Anonymous

September 30, 2008

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You will always be remembered by those that love you dearly and also those close friends you shared so many memories with. You have not be forgotten.

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

September 30, 2008

To Officer Brian Matthews and his loved ones:

On this the third anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society as well as your family. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Deputy Matthews. I am so humbled by yohur valor and courage.

To Brian's mom, Thelma; I am sitting here with a face wet with tears after reading the beautiful poem you wrote about Brian in March of 2007. I share your anquish in losing a beloved son and know the meaning of a life forever changed. You are in my heart's embrace today although we are many miles apart. My son Larry and I were born in Durham; even the same doctor delivered us. Although he grew up in California, Larry loved his yearly trips home to see family.

I can see from Brian's reflections that he was an amazing young man and a splendid son. I know he will be forever missed and that each memory is so precious. I pray for your solace.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Brian gave to his community and the citizens of my home state of North Carolina and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on September 30, 2005.

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

Anonymous

September 29, 2008

Today we all gathered to laugh and swing a club, say some bad words and watch little white balls sink out of sight into the water hazards. Trooper Chavis won another big large prize in the drawing, people on both sides of me won door prizes and I didn't win a thing. Thats okay, I loved every second of it. I laughed til I cried. Another Lt, who shall remain nameless, hit a house harder then I have ever seen a golfer hit one before. I've got to tell ya, he hit it so hard the ball flew 75 yards back onto the fairway. Anyway, just wanted to take a moment to touch base and say hello.

Lt. Matt Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

September 20, 2008

Your are always on my mind and in my heart.

Anonymous

September 8, 2008

Hello Brian,

I have felt such incredible sadness all day, and the reason for that sadness is having to acknowledge that today is the first day of the most painful month of the entire year. It is always with a heavy heart that I flip the calendar to be forced to see in writing the day you left us. We will always love you, and we miss you so much. I have always heard the adage of "Time is a great healer." In your case, that will never be true. Please know how much we care, and continue to look over us from above. We send our love to you in Heaven. Until next time.

Mrs. M.

September 1, 2008

You should know that no one, especially in the Sheriff's Office, has forgotten you or how special you were. Reading through the comments on this webpage, it is evident that you touched lives and influenced others for the good, which is really the best thing we can do in this world as we serve our Father in Heaven. And I know that you did. The respect that people have for you is undeniable, and you will always be missed. I think of you and your family often, and pray for the ones left behind. Thank you for what you did here; it truly changed the world for the better.

Angela Lipe Westmoreland
Cousin of Brian's and wife of Deputy Westmoreland, CCSO

August 7, 2008

Happy Birthday!! I LOVE YOU!!!!!

July 1, 2008

I KNOW NO BETTER WAY TO HONOR YOU ON YOUR BIRTHDAY THAN TO SHARE THIS TRIBUTE.

I SPOKE TO YOUR BUDDY CLARKE A FEW DAYS AGO. HE TOLD ME OF A 15 MILE MARCH HE WAS ON WITH SRT. WHILE WALKING OVER THE BRIDGE AT 295 HE LOOKED DOWN AND FOUND ONE OF YOUR A-14 PINS. GARY STARED AT IT FOR OVER A MINUTE WHILE EVERYONE KEPT MARCHING. HE PICKED IT UP AND NOW IT IS HIS GOOD LUCK CHARM.HE CREDITS YOU WITH THE REASON HE MADE IT WITH SRT .HE KNOWS IT WAS SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO DO.I WISH YOU KNEW JUST HOW FAR YOUR INFLUENCE HAS SPREAD AND HOW MANY LIVES YOU HAVE POSITIVELY IMPACTED.

“WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS? OR” YOU KNOW YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS.”. THESE ARE THE COMMENTS I HEAR QUITE OFTEN. JUST DOING WHAT I FEEL IS RIGHT. I HAVE SOMETHING TO FINISH. I’M BACK ON THE ROAD AND I HAVE A NEW ZONE PARTNER. HE REMINDES ME OF YOU . HE’S YOUNG , EAGER TO LEARN BUT IMPRESSIONABLE. A GOOD AND HONEST DEPUTY. SOMETIMES I SEE HIM WATCHING ME CLOSELY AS THOUGH HE IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT MY NEXT MOVE. THAT’S WHEN I KNOW I’M DOING THE RIGHT THING BY CONTINUING IN POLICE WORK. COACH HEIL LOST HIS SON AND WE WERE TALKING. HE TOLD ME THAT YOU FOLLOWED IN MY FOOT STEPS BECAUSE YOU ADMIRED AND LOOKED UP TO ME. I GUESS I NEVER SAW IT LIKE THAT. ALL I KNOW IS THAT YOU HAVE LEFT SOME BIG SHOES FOR ME TO FILL. NOW I’M HONORED TO BE WALKING IN YOUR SHADOW.

LOVE ALWAYS,
DAD

DEPUTY RONALD L. MATTHEWS D-15
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, NC

DEPUTY RONALD L. MATTHEWS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

July 1, 2008

Happy Birthday Brian!!!!

We love and miss you so much. We miss your beautiful smile, your wit, your humor, your kindness, your caring ways, and your strong yet gentle nature. You are a fine young man, and your parents are so very proud of you. We keep you in our hearts always. Please know that our lives are richer because of you.

Until next time, and with all of our love.

Mrs. M.

July 1, 2008

Brian,

It has been awhile since I have left anything on here but I just want you to know that we never forget. Everytime I ride down that long road I turn on the lights for ya hoping you will see them. Miss ya.

Cpl.K.Dickinson
CCSO

June 28, 2008

Hello Brian,

It is always with a heavy heart that I come to this page to pay my respects to you. I'm certain that you have been busy over the past few days as you have been helping several of your fellow officers adjust to their new home. Far too many of you have been asked to give your all (even one would be too many). Sweet Brian, we will always remember you and will cherish your memory forever.

This is a quote that I came across the other day. I want to share it with you because it describes the way we all feel about you. "When we had you, we had the whole world." (Author Unknown) Our world is so empty now - you made all the difference. Please look down upon us from above, and be especially close to your parents and your best girl.

You are an honorable man. May God bless you.

Mrs. M.

June 22, 2008

I come here every day to see your face and tell you I love you and miss you. I also look to see if any new reflections are posted. Just one of many thoughts I have each day. I haven't let you go and don't know when or if I ever will. My heart is broken. I LOVE YOU!!!

June 13, 2008

Dear Sweet Brian,

Due to overwhelming job responsibilities, I was unable to attend today's memorial service honoring you and your fellow officers who have given your all to protect the citizens of North Carolina. As I do each and every day, I paid tribute to you in my heart. We love you and miss you so much!

Mrs. M.

May 9, 2008

Spring is here and the locals are getting rowdy. Mr. Taco Bell was arrested again for beating on his wife. Another day and more crime. Miss ya buddy.

Lt. Matt Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

March 27, 2008

There are no words to explain how much I love and miss you. Time has not helped. I go from one day to the next, trying to get by. You are my baby. I can't handle it, if I accept, I will not see you here again. How crazy does that sound? You understand the bond. I know that one day I will see you in heaven but, right now I want more and trying to accept this is so hard. Will it be the same? I look at your picture on this officer down memorial page and ask, "Why is my Brian's picture here?" I imagine you are going to come walking into my office or home and I can then know this has all been a the worse nightmare anyone could have. I LOVE YOU!!!!

March 24, 2008

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." (Author Unknown). Please know that we will always cherish your memory. As you spend Easter Sunday in heaven, those of us left here will think about you and will hold onto the assurance of being there with you one day. Brian, we love you and miss you so much! Please keep watch over your loved ones. Until next time.

Mrs. M.

March 23, 2008

"There are three things that remain - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:13 (The Living Bible)

Dear Brian,

I know that you have been very busy over these past several weeks because you have been welcoming numerous young people to their home in heaven with you. Offering help to others has always been one of your most outstanding qualities. So many young adults have suddenly left us. They, like you, were full of promise and had the potential to make the world a better place. Just as in your case, they have left family and special friends to cherish their memory and to love them forever. We love you more than you can ever know, and we miss you so much! Every day is painful, and there is a deep void that will never be filled.

One young man from our area went to be with you late last night. His name is Ryan, and he had been a student of your Jennifer's, which means that he will be a close connection for you. Please take him under your wing and look after him.

We will never forget you. We keep you close in our hearts. Until next time.

Mrs. M.

March 7, 2008

"Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called the children of God." We will never forget you! We all still wear our little badge with "A-14" on it. Your mom is a good woman Brian. See ya later brother

Deputy
CCSO

Deputy
CCSO-BROTHER

March 7, 2008

You are still missed


In the simple performance of duty,

he pinned on a badge,

checked his gear with a practiced eye,

and kissed his loved ones good-bye.

In the simple performance of duty,

he reported for work,

joked with his buddies at roll call,

and made his last trip down the squadroom hall.

In the simple performance of duty,

he answered the call

to help the helpless, to find the lost,

no matter the danger or how great the cost.

In the simple performance of duty,

he lay down his life,

for those in peril he tried to save,

our brave friend went to his grave.

In the simple performance of duty,

we honor his deed,

as we carry him to rest in a flag-draped casket,

long after the world has forgotten, we shall never forget.

Never judge or regret, what he did, In the simple performance of duty.

Deputy
CCSO-Brother

February 12, 2008

As many times as I look at this memorial page I still cannot believe that its your picture that I see. How can this be? I don't believe there is a minute that goes by without me thinking of you. In every conversation I have there is always a memory connected with you. A large part of me left with you. I LOVE YOU and miss you so much its unbearable at times.

February 5, 2008

Hello Brian,

Well, it has been yet another empty holiday without you. My heart aches so much for your mom and dad. Please look down upon them from above. We love and miss you!!!

Mrs. M.

January 1, 2008