Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

October 2, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deputy Christopher Matthews, his good deeds to his community and country will always be remembered. May god bless you.

Chief Ferrell J. Stewart
Cooter, MO Police Department

October 2, 2005

God Bless the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Matthews.

mjw 643

October 2, 2005

Thank you for your service and dedication, Deputy Matthews.
May the Lord comfort your family and friends at this difficult time.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
Matthew 5:9

Wife of a Deputy
SBSD Morongo Station, CA

October 2, 2005

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Christopher Matthews as well as to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. Rest in peace Deputy Matthews, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

October 1, 2005

When God made Police Officers...



When the Lord was creating police officers, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "You're doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the spec on this order?

A police officer has to be able to run five miles through alleys in the dark, scale walls, enter homes the health inspector wouldn't touch, and not wrinkle his uniform.

"He has to be able to sit in an undercover car all day on a stakeout, cover a homicide scene that night, canvass the neighborhood for witnesses, and testify in court the next day.

"He has to be in top physical condition at all times, running on black coffee and half-eaten meals. And he has to have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands... no way."

"It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes an officer has to have."

"That's on the standard model?" asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. One pair that sees through a bulge in a pocket before he asks, "May I see what's in there, sir?" (When he already knows and wishes he'd taken that accounting job.) "Another pair here in the side of his head for his partners' safety. And another pair of eyes here in front that can look reassuringly at a bleeding victim and say, 'You'll be all right ma'am, when he knows it isn't so."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "rest and work on this tomorrow."

"I can't," said the Lord, "I already have a model that can talk a 250 pound drunk into a patrol car without incident and feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck."

The angel circled the model of the police officer very slowly, "Can it think?" she asked.

"You bet," said the Lord. "It can tell you the elements of a hundred crimes; recite Miranda warnings in its sleep; detain, investigate, search, and arrest a gang member on the street in less time than it takes five learned judges to debate the legality of the stop... and still it keeps its sense of humor.

This officer also has phenomenal personal control. He can deal with crime scenes painted in hell, coax a confession from a child abuser, comfort a murder victim's family, and then read in the daily paper how law enforcement isn't sensitive to the rights of criminal suspects."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the police officer. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."

"That's not a leak," said the lord, "it's a tear."

"What's the tear for?" asked the angel.

"It's for bottled-up emotions, for fallen comrades, for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American flag, for justice."

"You're a genius," said the angel.

The Lord looked somber. "I didn't put it there," he said.

ccso

October 1, 2005

Brian, you made the greatest sacrifice backing up your partner and showed the greatest love one man can show another, and for that, there are no words to express the debt of gratitude we all owe you. You said when you first started on patrol that you were all-or-nothing, and proved it time after time during your short time with us. You were a good deputy, partner and friend, and I know that right now, you are watching over us as we try to carry on in your absence. Rest easy brother, we have the watch, and will not let you or your family down.

CPL Brad Dean
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, NC

October 1, 2005

Rest in Peace...Our prayers are with you, your family, and Department. Your desire to make a difference in this world will not be forgotten.

Officer
Fort Worth Police Department

October 1, 2005

AMERICA LOST ANOTHER HERO, DEPUTY MATTHEWS DIED A HERO, TRYING TO HELP SOMEONE IN NEED. GO PATROL THOSE STREETS OF GOLD, TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLEASE TURN TO GOD FOR COMFORT. R.I.P. BROTHER.

Sergeant William Riley
Aragon GA Police Dept,

October 1, 2005

My deepest sympathies to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Matthews; may he rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

October 1, 2005

I encountered Chris Matthews only a few times. He had served for 8 months on Road Patrol and had previously served as a Detention Officer at the Detention Center before going to Basic Law Enforcement Training. He was an extremely polite individual with character you could sense from a distance. He just struck me as a humble, but confident person. When I spoke to him the few times I did, I knew he would do well. I'm very sad his life was cut short. God always calls people to Him when it's their time. I hope others will emulate his sense of duty and level of character.

God Bless Chris and his family.

Dep. Jonathan Griner
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2005

Their hearts are too big
Their wallets too thin.
They're an integral part
Of the world we live in.

They're at work everyday;
Come rain, sleet or snow.
'Cause dedication and honor
Are all that they know.

They deal with the worst
Day in and day out.
They're the ones who come running
When it's help that you shout.

They wear badges and guns
These modern-day knights.
But neither of these
Protect them from fright.

They get hit, kicked and spit on
And oinked at like swine.
Yet they always come back
With boots and belt shined.

They stand their ground firm
When others would run.
And when it's over, they smile
As if to them it's great fun.

When all else is bad
They're the ones doing good.
Doing right by the law
As we all know we should.

Still often it seems
They get no respect.
Some even gripe
When they catch a suspect.

They violated my rights!
The guilty will say.
But how about what they
Give up everyday?

They don't see their kids,
Their husband or wife.
To the families it seems
That the job is the life.

They get slashed at and stabbed;
Beaten, bloodied and shot.
And all too often,
One gives all he's got.

Brave brothers and sisters
Is what they all are.
When one is killed,
They mourn near and far.

Only then do we see
Their toughness wear thin.
And just for a moment,
They let us all in.

They're human you see,
These warriors true.
Regardless of if
They wear green, brown or blue.

They distinguish themselves
Above all the rest.
And it's not just about
The badge on their chest.

For they see the things
We don't want to see.
They are the ones
That protect you and me.

They do all the things
Only the finest will do.
They're the brave men and women
Of the thin line of blue.


"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God."

October 1, 2005

Your shift is now over. We will continue to fight the never ending battle with you in mind.

Deputy Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff

October 1, 2005

Your service will not be forgotten brother.
Our agency is sponsoring a DWI checkpoint tonight with over 60 officers particpating. We are dedicating this checkpoint in your honor and memory.

Lt. Allen Rushing`
Morrisville Police Department (NC)

October 1, 2005

DEPUTY MATTHEWS MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

GILBERT DANIEL

October 1, 2005

For what you have done,you will never be forgotten..rest in peace now for eternity..thoughts love and prayers are with all from down under

Rosie
A Friend of Peace Officers..Sydney Australia

October 1, 2005

Courage is the thing. All goes if courage goes.

Be at peace Brother.

Hearfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Deputy Matthews.

Ofc. Scott Bachman
Baltimore County (MD) PD

October 1, 2005

Go with God Brother. You are not forgotten...

Patrol Officers
Pekin PD, Illinois

October 1, 2005

May God Bless and keep you and your family. MAY GOD ALSO GIVE THEM THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON. IT'S SO SAD...SO YOUNG. Thank you for your carageous service, Deputy Matthews, and THANK YOU for keeping US safe! You will not be forgotten!

Lisa
Civilian

October 1, 2005

Brian, I remember when you were working the jail and you don't me to stop bringing in all those crazy women...you were always there to help and I was so proud of you when you finally became a patrol officer..you worked hard to get to where you are at......rest in peace my friend for you are now patrolling the streets of heaven and looking over us........

Sgt Larry Fermin
Cumberland COunty Sheriff Office

October 1, 2005

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOST OF DEPUTY MATTHEWS. MAY GOD BLESS THEM DURING THIS TRAGIC EVENT IN THIER LIVES. MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU. A HERO FOR SURE. YOU HAVE SERVED WELL, NOW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

October 1, 2005

Rest in peace brother in blue....

Greater Manchester Police, UK

October 1, 2005

While it is no consolation for your loss, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow deputies of Deputy Matthews.

While no member of our agency had the privilege to have known him personally, we are certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace deputy; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Medicine Lodge Police Department
Medicine Lodge, KS

October 1, 2005

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Matthews. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

October 1, 2005

Christopher,
I would like to say thank you for your service to the citizens of Cumberland County. And to your family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

October 1, 2005