Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Always in our hearts, always on our minds.

You are deeply missed.

Laura Raphael
Friend

October 9, 2022

I went to Middle and High schools with you. You worked at my family's grocery store until you went into LE. You were a good kid and a decent man, had the best smile. I got into LE partly because of you. The world is a lesser place without you in it.

J.R. Dispatcher PD/FD Roseville CA

February 27, 2022

Matt,
We just did a moment of silence for you on the air. At 0411hrs., I lit up your memorial sign on Hwy 65 with the spotlight so everybody could see where this all happened.
Take care kid.

Ofc. Dan Groff
Rocklin PD

October 8, 2021

Rest in peace Officer Redding.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 25, 2021

Semper Fi Officer Redding. Every time I pass the location where they have erected a sign with your name I remember that night when you were killed by a person that I hope is still behind bars. What a tragic night that was. You were assisting the CHP and doing what you loved to do. God bless you and may God bless your family. You will not be forgotten.

State Traffic Officer 7185 Mike Becze
California Highway Patrol & US Marine

December 30, 2020

I don't know where 15 years has gone. Sometimes it feels like yesterday. Thankfully, your legacy continues every day, with and in so many people. Please continue to watch over all of us.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Laura Raphael
Friend

October 9, 2020

14 years. Thought of often. Missed always.

Laura Raphael
Friend

October 9, 2019

I knew Matt as the son of our friends, but I also knew him personally when he was working at Bel Air in Rocklin. When he’d see me in the store, he would come up to me just to say “Hi” with that great big smile of his. He’d ask about my family, and about me, and told me he was going to become a police officer. I knew he’d be the perfect guy for that job. He was genuine, caring, and he had all the qualities it took to become an officer. When we learned of his death, it was incomprehensible. It didn’t make sense. It overwhelmed all of us for a long long time. To this day, we still think of Matt often, and remember THAT smile and his gentleness.
You are missed Matt.

Sibyl and Kevin
Friends

January 20, 2019

Matt,

The moment you didn't show up on Sunday night, I had a horrible feeling in my heart. I had heard of the Rocklin police officer accident and refused to believe it was you. You never missed a Sunday. The next day when I heard YOUR name as the police officer who passed away, my world was turned upside down. I still think of you. Sunday nights have never been the same...

<3
Friend

October 10, 2018

You lead the way by how honorably you lived your life. Such an inspiration of who I wanted to be. You are missed my friend.

Deputy Angel Walker
YCSO / friend

October 10, 2018

Matt-

Another year has gone by and that makes thirteen since that night. So hard to believe.

Thinking of you and that fantastic smile.

P.S. - Please keep an eye on my Pops, he’s new up there. I’m sure he’s found you and is talking your ear off!

Ofc. J. Raphael
Portland Police Bureau

October 10, 2018

I think of you often, but especially today. Richard joined you in heaven last Christmas and I'm sure you're sharing all of your police stories with each other.

Please continue to watch down on us, particularly Justin, and continue to rest in peace.

Laura Raphael
Friend

October 9, 2018

I worked with Matt for a few years at Bel Air and he was be far the best to work with. Hardworking, kind, respectful of everyone. I moved on and so did he. A few months before he died, he was at a house across the street from my house, taking a report or following up on something. I was able to speak with him for a few minutes before he departed and he looked so genuinely happy to be doing this job; his calling and I was so proud of him. Months later, when I heard he was killed I felt so much grief and sadness, it was hard for me to face it. As a 35 year old guy that didn't cry much, this did. On the night after his funeral, I had a dream. It was a recreation of that night I saw him on my street. He was in his car, with his big smile looking at me and he was surrounded by a beautiful white light, he was calm and happy in Heaven and he sent me this dream to ease my pain. Even from heaven the guy still cares about us. When I woke up, I did feel so much better. Thank you Matt.

Adam
Co-worker / Friend

June 2, 2018

Rest in peace, brother in blue.
#neverforget

Captain Shannan Moon

October 10, 2017

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

October 9, 2017

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
City of Upland, CA

October 9, 2017

Another year gone. We think of you so often and continue to miss you.

Laura and Richard Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2017

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

October 9, 2016

I don't know where 11 years has gone. We reflect often on what a void your death has left in so many lives, including our own. Your profound influence continues to help guide and strengthen Justin in both his life and career. He couldn't have asked for a better mentor, nor could we. We will always be honored to have known you.

Miss you.

Laura and Richard Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2016

Ten years.

How has it been a decade since that fateful night? The memory and the pain are still so real. I woke up today struggling to grasp that it's been so long since the world lost such a hero.

As time continues its unwavering march forward I will continue to honor you and all that you stood for. I will continue to cherish the memories I have of you and keep your spirit inside of me. The blue line is being tested more than ever, but it is being held strong by those who follow in the foot steps that you inspired.

You're so deeply missed by so many people. I still feel privileged to have known you and called you a friend and mentor. As your mom said, "Life just isn't the same without you."

Miss you buddy...

Ofc. J. Raphael #52780
Portland Police

October 9, 2015

On this day, we always reflect on your life and the many ways you touched and inspired people. It's difficult to believe it has been ten years.

Your legacy lives on and will continue to in years to come, a statement to the extraordinary person that you were.

We miss you. Rest in peace.

Richard & Laura Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2015

It's hard to believe it will be 10 years on October 9 that you were taken from us. Miss you everyday! Life just isn't the same without you!

Marilyn
Mom

September 23, 2015

Matt:

Once again, it is the time of year when we reflect on your life. Obviously, cut too short, but all of us are better people for having known you.

You continue to be an inspiration to many of us. Please continue to watch over Justin and keep him safe.

We miss you, our friend.

Laura & Richard Raphael
Friends

October 9, 2014

Matt will always be a hero in the heart of many.

Mother of Contra Costa Sheriff

October 8, 2014

Matt-

Although I was never afforded the opportunity to formally meet you, I feel like I know you well. I volunteered at a SWAT training that you were present at just weeks before your passing. I went to your funeral when I was cadet officer with Roseville PD. I worked with your mother for several years at the local costco not knowning that she was your mother until after that tragic day. Your fiance's father came to see me when he needed to purchase some plants for his landscaping business. I now work for the Sacramento County Sheriff Department as a bailiff where I run DUI court and daily see people just like the man who selfishly took your life. I see "that sign" every time I drive down highway 65 and am reminded yet again of what a horrible day that was all those years ago.

I was truly amazed at your funeral. I was saddened, but at the same time excited for all those in attendance who got to hear the celebration of life and the hope that is in our Lord Jesus Christ. I'm sure that many have come to a saving knowledge of our Lord after that service, the conversations that followed, and the example that you set.

I can certainly tell you that your reputation as a wonderful son, fiance, brother in Christ, and fellow officer lives on! Your unwavering integrity and kindness was felt by many, including those you arrested from what I've heard :) and even those you never knew

Although we have never spoken, I feel that I know you well my brother. I look forward to the day that I will meet you in heaven and we finally get a chance to talk.

Your memory is all around and I think about you often. I still get tears in my eyes when I see your mother standing behind the register at costco with a ribbon on her name tag.

Look forward to talking with you soon my friend, you will never be forgotten.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Your brother in Christ and in law enforcement,

Deputy J. Lawrence #1184
Sacramento County Sheriff Dept.

June 30, 2014