Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Dear Brian,

If it were within my power, I would give your mother one more day with you. She loves and misses you so much. Your parents gave you strong roots, yet they gave you wings. Please look down from above and keep watch over them. God bless all of you!

Mrs. M.

May 13, 2007

Dear Brian,

Today is May 11th, and we attended the North Carolina Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony. The service was dignified and touching. We all love you and are proud of the dedication you had for your chosen profession. Today we were surrounded by your law enforcement family, and that family is so very close and caring. We miss you!!

Mrs. M.

May 11, 2007

Dear Brian,

We had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time two years ago on Good Friday. Your Jennifer was so eager for us to get know you, and she was absolutely glowing because you had come into her life. It only takes a moment to love someone, but it takes an entire lifetime to forget that person. We will always remember you and love you. I cannot begin to tell you how much we miss you.

God bless you.

Mrs. M.
Mother of Brian's Fiancee

April 6, 2007

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name,
in life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories, your love
is still our guide, and though we cannot
see you , you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again.

CCSO

April 1, 2007

HAVE YOU EVER FELT IT?


Have you ever felt it?
That precious little child growing inside you.
Have you ever felt it?
The love you have for him before his is even born.
Have you ever felt it?
The first time you see him and touch him, his is a part of you. The love you feel is like no other.
Have you ever felt it?
Leaving him for the first time to go back to work.
Have you ever felt it?
The excitement when the workday is over, you can’t wait to get him and hold him and care for him.
Have you ever felt it?
The beautiful smile on his little face when he sees you.
Have you ever felt it?
He is making little sounds and kicking with excitement.
Have you ever felt it?
He is rolling over!
Have you ever felt it?
He is setting up!
Have you ever felt it?
He says his first word!
Have you ever felt it?
I wish I was sick instead of him.
Have you ever felt it?
Don’t run to fast, you can hardly walk.
Have you ever felt it?
His first birthday.
Have you ever felt it?
Trying to keep up with him when he can’t decide what to get into next?
Have you ever felt it?
When he puts a sentence together for the first time.
Have you ever felt it?
Seeing him play in the snow and ocean for the first time.
Have you ever felt it?
The love you feel when he puts those little arms around your neck?
Have you ever felt it?
The pride you feel when strangers tell you what a beautiful child he is.
Have you ever felt it?
He has his first tooth.
Have you ever felt it?
The way your heart hurts when he gets his shots.
Have you ever felt it?
The first day of school when you have to leave him.
Have you ever felt it?
The pride and fear the first time he is in a program at school and your not there to guide him.
Have you ever felt it?
The years passing by so quickly.
Have you ever felt it?
The first t-ball game when he runs the wrong direction to the bases.
Have you ever felt it?
When you get the first report card.
Have you ever felt it?
When you see him running down the football field with the flags hanging from his belt blowing in the wind.
Have you ever felt it?
He wants to look perfect before he leaves for school.
Have you ever felt it?
When he says “Mom will you give me a hug and kiss “before” we get to school.”
Have you ever felt it?
When he gets new shoes and wants to wear them and run to see how fast they will go.
Have you ever felt it?
When he starts middle school and the girls look like teenagers.
Have you ever felt it?
The fear of what he will be around when your not there to protect him.
Have you ever felt it?
Little girls calling your little boy.

Have you ever felt it?
Where is my little baby, he is growing up so fast.
Have you ever felt it?
He is taking drivers ed. Oh, I hope he is safe, I’m sure glad the teacher has a brake on his side of the car.
Have you ever felt it?
When he gets in his car, alone, and drives off for the first time?
Have you ever felt it?
His first date.
Have you ever felt it?
The excitement and fear when you see him playing football and wrestling?
Have you ever felt it?
His first prom.
Have you ever felt it?
Going to meet teachers each year to size them up ahead of time.
Have you ever felt it?
The pride the day of high school graduation.
Have you ever felt it?
The fear the day of high school graduation. He is grown up and I just can’t let him go. I need to be there to protect him.
Have you ever felt it?
He is in love and wants you to love her too.
Have you ever felt it?
He has a job and moves out on his own.
Have you ever felt it?
The excitement you feel when he call to ask, “What’s for dinner Mom?”
Have you ever felt it?
Cooking his favorite meal and watching him eat.
Have you ever felt it?
Seeing him hurt because a relationship has not worked out.
Have you ever felt it?
Taking pictures of him to work, the pride you feel.
Have you ever felt it?
Taking him around to meet everyone at work.
Have you ever felt it?
Seeing him accept Jesus Christ as his savior.
Have you ever felt it?
Knowing he loves you as much as you love him.
Have you ever felt it?
Now he wants to protect me.
Have you ever felt it?
The joy of having all the family together at the dinner table each night.
Have you ever felt it?
He remembers you on special occasions.
Have you ever felt it?
That beautiful smile you get when he sees you.
Have you ever felt it?
When you see him graduate for the school he has always wanted to go to.
Have you ever felt it?
When he gets the job of his dreams and is on cloud nine.
Have you ever felt it?
When you see him in his uniform for the first time. He is so proud.
Have you ever felt it?
When he worries about something. You worry too. There has got to be something I can do or say to make things better.
Have you ever felt it?
Going on vacation as a family all pilled up in one room.
Have you ever felt it?
The call when he is out on patrol and is hungry. He wants me to set him something to eat on the front porch, if he gets a chance during the night he’ll stop by to get it.
Have you ever felt it?
The stories of the crazy things that happen to him at work.
Have you ever felt it?
Setting at the table after dinner and sharing your day with him.
Have you ever felt it?
Hearing the works, there has been an accident, I’m so sorry.
Have you ever felt it?
You’re wrong, that can’t be true. He’s my baby just take me to him.
Have you ever felt it?
The pain for your husband and son over the horrible news.

Have you ever felt it?
He will be coming in the door anytime. As a matter of fact I think I just heard him.
Have you ever felt it?
This is not true. It should be me instead of him. What about his life? He has not married, had the joy of his own child.
Have you ever felt it?
I can’t take another step, take another breath.
Have you ever felt it?
The pain all over inside and out. A big part of me left with him that will never be replaced. Life here forward is taken moment by moment.
Have you ever felt it?
You will never hold his child or see him as a father.
Have you ever felt it?
Why him? He wanted to take care of everyone, to protect them. I just don’t understand.
Have you ever felt it?
The pain is unbearable. How much longer can I take it?
Have you ever felt it?
Have you ever felt it?

Brian’s Mom
Thelma Matthews
3-22-07

Momma

March 23, 2007

Hello Brian,

You were so proud of your heritage, and I wanted to pay my respects to you on this day. You have a heart of pure gold. We love and miss you so very much!

Mrs. M.

March 17, 2007

Hey Buddy! Gosh how I miss you! I can't articulate how much I miss you and what you mean to me! You were one of the best friends anyone could have! The way you treated me and everyone else you cared for is a rare quality these days, but you did it with such ease. I think of you everyday and miss everything about you, but the memories you gave will never be taken away. Your smile and laugh would brighten my day. Your unlimited love for your family and friends was so evident, and I just want to let you know we love and miss you more than you'll ever know!

Erin
Brunswick Co DSS and Buddy

February 19, 2007

Hey buddy! Gosh how I miss you! There isn't a time that goes by when I am surf fishing that I don't think of you! So many memories,but the thing I will always carry with me will be the incredible friendship you gave me. You were so good to me, and my voice of reason. You are one of the most incredible people I had the pleasure of having in my life. I can't articulate how you are missed and what you meant to my life!

Erin
Brunswick Co DSS

February 19, 2007

Dear Brian,

This morning the pastor told us to live a life of honor and justice. I cannot think of a more fitting description of your life - an honorable and just man who chose an honorable profession. All of us knew how proud you were to serve the people of your county. We were so proud of you, and I was so looking forward to your being my son-in-law. Your Jennifer struggles every day without you. She puts up a good front and tries, but I know how much she hurts. Thank you for loving her and for being so good to her and for her.

One of Jennifer's high school classmates, Stephanie, went to join you on Friday. Please look after her. Like you, she was close to her family, and they are having a difficult time.

We love and miss you so much! Until next time....

Mrs. M

January 28, 2007

GOD BLESS YOU MOMMA!

January 23, 2007

I had the pleasure of supervising this wonderful person when he first came to "A" Platoon. Chris was so happy to finally get out of working in the jail and he truly was happy to be out on the road, as if it was something that he was always meant to do.

I thought the world of Chris and I was deeply saddened when I heard of his traggic death. I think of him daily and I cant get the thought out of my head that he is really gone, even today.

He was an Officer that you knew that he felt it in his heart and that he took great pride in wearing that badge everyday, which is something not alot of people can say. You could tell this by the way he presented hiself to the public and to other officers. He made me proud to be his supervisor and proud to know him as a friend.

Chris, I miss you buddy and I will never forget you as long as I live. I know you are in a better place now looking down on us all. You will always be a brother to us all and you will always be one of the best cops I've ever known.

L. Taylor
Former Cumberland County Sheriff's Deputy

January 19, 2007

As I am sure you know Sgt. Heath Hardin from Hope Mills PD came to stay with you today. I know that you'll look after him. He's a good guy and ya'll will get along fine. See ya buddy.

Senior Sergeant M. Hurley
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

January 11, 2007

My Brian,

I think of you always. I still don’t believe it. I’ve been told time heals all wounds but that is not the case here. I just held you in my arms on July 1, 1977, that seems like yesterday. You’re a part of me and it’s unbearable. I Love you so much and there are no words to describe how much I miss you and how much pain I feel.

January 10, 2007

Dear Brian,

I wanted you to know how much I had thought about you today. You are so very special to so many people, and our world is forever changed without you. We all love and miss you!

Mrs. M.

January 8, 2007

Dear Sweet Brian,

Today is December 21st and the first day of winter. It is the day of the year with the least amount of daylight. This means that tonight is the longest night of the year, which is an appropriate description of our lives without you. Every day/night is long and lonely. I can't find the words to tell you how much joy you brought to us. We love and miss you!

Mrs. M.

Mrs. M.

December 21, 2006

It's been a while, but I still remember your funeral like it was yesterday. How fitting it was that you left us wearing the uniform you served alongside us in. It was difficult for every man and woman to walk past you in the chapel. Your family was kind enough to let us see you one last time and for that we are very grateful.

There is no such thing as death, my friend...as you well know looking down at us from Heaven. You are not forgotten by the members of this agency or the citizens you served. Sometimes, the horror of that day makes me want to forget, but I couldn't even if I tried. Your life was worth as much in your shortened years as one who had lived a full life into old age. You were a great person...you are still a great person.

We will never forgot you.

Dep. Sheriff
CCSO

October 24, 2006

We miss you so much!!!!

Mrs. M.

October 22, 2006

There are some things in life that never get any easier to deal with. We just have to remember that God won't put anything in front of us that we can't handle. We all miss you Brian.

Trooper Hurley
North Carolina Highway Patrol

October 1, 2006

Dear Brian,

Words are inadequate to express how empty our lives are without you. We love and miss you!!! Your sweet and gentle spirit will be in our hearts forever.

Mrs. M

September 30, 2006

G-d Bless.

September 30, 2006

Well brother its been 1 yr today and man has my world changed. I miss you more than words can say. I want to again thank you for your assistance. Since your watching down on all of us I dont need to give you a update on whats happening. I wish everyday for the chance to answer just one more call with you. Im sorry Im short on words today..

Harry Hefner

Harry Hefner
Ex- Partner

September 30, 2006

Dear Brian,

This entire month has been so difficult, and this week has been especially painful. One year ago, the future was so full of promise for you and the love of your life. The two of you were "the real deal." I will always be grateful for the joy you brought to her. You are a fine and noble man and a credit to your parents. We all love and miss you beyond measure.

"Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot." (From the musical "Camelot") Knowing you, Brian, brought a shining moment to our lives. Thank you!

Mrs. M.

September 26, 2006

I went to junior high and high school with Brian. He and my younger brother worked together one summer. I hadn't seen Brian since those days, but he obviously grew into a honorable and handsome young man. I remember Brian as a sweet and funny guy. Now I can add to my memories all of the kind words that I have read here today. I heard of Brian's accident on the day it happened and saw it on the news. My heart immediately went out to his fiancee, family, and friends. It also gave me a major reality check as we are the same age. Brian has come into my thoughts from time to time, especially went I'm out that way in Eastover & Wade. I am just now finding this website. However, I have remembered Brian many times. God Bless You!

Amy Eason
NCDOT

August 17, 2006

Many days and months have passed. It seems like yesterday I saw you last. I still see you and hear your voice at times. My heart is broken, it will never heal and there is a loneliness inside that will never go away. You are always on my mind. We were so close, you and I.

There is a song that says, "God only cries for the living because its the living thats left to carry on. All the angels up in heaven, they are not grieving because their gone. There's a smile on their faces because they are in a better place than they've ever know." Strong and true words that I hope one day will give me strength. My head tells me one thing when my heart says another. I miss you so much!!!!! It's unbearable at times. I LOVE YOU.

Momma

August 7, 2006

I never got the chance to meet you but felt like I have, through the wonderful words of your father, my fellow partner on the road in Spring Lake, and also your friend, Deputy Hefner. I think about you and others I have lost in the world that we call Law Enforcement, our love and duty. Prayers forever...

Patrol Officer Johnna Hammatt
Spring Lake PD, NC

May 31, 2006