Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Just thinking of Officer Redding. He will always be our hero.

March 8, 2008

officers like Redding should never be forgoten. his killer should be a pushing force to all officers to get D.U.I drivers off the streets. any officer how dies in the line of duty is a heart break, but when they die like this its just not right.

future officer

February 10, 2008

Remembering Matt with smiles and tears. He is always in our thoughts and prayers. God bless the Redding Family. I always hope that they know that so many people loved and continue to love their wonderful son. He is truly unforgettable!

A Mom

February 1, 2008

Thinking of Matt. Life goes on, time flies, but the thought of Matt and the great man he was never dims. I hope his parents realize that even though the years go by he is an ever present thought in many people and will be always. God bless the Redding family and the Rocklin Police Dept.

Mother of Sheriff in Sacto

January 16, 2008

Matt:
I miss you so much! From our days working side by side at Bel Air to leaving and working in our dream jobs in Law Enforcement! You are my hero Matty! Your family is in my thoughts always and I try to make you proud out on the streets!

I miss you and love you

Officer
SPD-Friend

December 23, 2007

Remebering Matt and how much we all miss him. A very special person left us to join our Lord.

December 16, 2007

thinking of you and Jess and your family today. Christmas is always harder. EVERYONE you left behind remembers you and cherishes every moment. I'm glad you sent an angel to Jess. I know you always loved her smile most.

we will never forget.

December 10, 2007

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 5, 2007

Dearest Matthew, Just thinking about how much our hearts miss you, feeling a little down, wishing you were hear with us this holiday season.

November 23, 2007

Matt we miss you so much. Life will never be the same without you here! Your family loves you and misses you more than you will ever know.

November 17, 2007

Matt, we will always remember you for what a great man you were and what you ultimately sacrificed. Rest in peace

PCSO
Friend

November 9, 2007

Matt,I was driving down the interstate today and noticed your sign!Its always been pretty sad to think of the moment when you left us, but now it lets us all remember how important you were to soo many people.Im sure your loved ones are so proud of you!God Bless you and your family!You will never be forgotten!

Cowan family
friends

October 29, 2007

Mattie: We will always think of you and your family. No one will take your place in our list of heroes.

Just someone who remembers your goodness.

October 23, 2007

I know this from experience: When someone you love passes away it is important to express your continuing love by respecting their memory with dignity.
God bless those that loved Matt, especially the Redding Family who have done everything to respect their sons memory. And also the Rocklin P.D.
God bless you Marilyn, John and Mark and his beautiful wife, who has helped the family so much by just loving them so much.

October 16, 2007

Matt,
The interchange dedication was really nice yesterday. That sign will be a constant reminder of your life and legacy. Now instead of that spot being a sore spot in all of hearts it can be a warm spot and remind us of you. You are in our thoughts everday, we will never forget you. God bless your family and brothers in blue.

October 10, 2007

Matty, I can't believe it has been two years today that you were called home. I went to a service today for the dedication of the interchange they named after you. I thought the sign was appropriate. You lived your life in a "Big" way and now you have a "Big" green sigh off the interstate marking a memorial to you! Now, perhaps instead of the intense sadness I usually feel passing by that fatal place I will feel a sence of joy as your name jumps off that sign to every one that passes by! And may it serve as a reminder to drive sober. You are missed and loved! Thank you for continuing to shine your light on us! You are forever amazing! Bless your family on this day!

friend

October 9, 2007

On the 2nd anniversary of Officer Redding's death, we honored his service in our patrol briefing by reading his entry from ODMP. Each day, we honor one fallen officer on the anniversary of their death so as to keep them in our thoughts, and also to remind us of the dangers inherent in our job. Officer Redding is not forgotten.

Agent Zach Perron
Palo Alto (CA) Police Department

October 9, 2007

Officer Redding,
Today is the second anniversary since you were called home. My thoughts are with your family and friends who are remembering you today and always. You will always be a hero.

Pennsylvania citizen

October 9, 2007

Matty, it's hard to believe it's been 2 years today since you left us. We met at your site this morning and reflected on better times when you were the King of Rocklin. We are heading to the Highway 65 dedication to your memory and I will give your parents a hug. Miss ya bro!

Mike Gandy
Rocklin PD

October 9, 2007

On this the 2nd anniversary of Matt's passing, I hope his parents know that Matt will never be forgotten and will always be admired for all he did during his time with us. Life continues, time passes, but this is one person our family will always have in our hearts.

October 9, 2007

thinking of you today, jess and all those that loved and knew matt best

samantha
ky

October 9, 2007

Its been 2 yrs., too long. As we remember you with each day that passes, we so miss the "person" of your presence, one that brought so much happiness to our lives. Thank you Lord for Life that transcends this temporal existence and continues; till we meet again. Forever in Christ, Amen

October 9, 2007

Its been 2 yrs., too long. As we remember you with each day that passes, we so miss the "person" of your presence, one that brought so much happiness to our lives. Thank you Lord for Life that transcends this temporal existence and continues; till we meet again. Forever in Christ, Amen

October 9, 2007

On the anniversary of your death we wish to remember you and thank you for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Civilian
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 9, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this 2nd anniversary of your EOW. I know there has not been a day that has gone by over the last two years that you have not been in someones thoughts and prayers. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones and bring comfort to your parents for I know all too well their loss and daily struggle to carry on for there is no greater loss than to lose a child. Our police officer son was also killed by a intoxicated driver. You have not been forgotten.

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

October 9, 2007