Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You and your comrades have traveled overseas to bring the fight against terrorism to its back door. Your sacrifice and that of your comrades will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. May God watch over you and your family.

RETIRED DETECTIVE FRANK DEMARCO
NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

June 5, 2009

To Specail Agent Matthew Joseph Kuglics, his family and his fellow officers with the Untied States Air Force Office of Special Investigations:

Our heartfelt thoughts are with you on the anniversary of Specail Agent Kuglics’s tragic death and we honor him for his valor and sacrifice to the community. Rest in Peace, Specail Agent Kuglics and thank you for your service.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

June 5, 2009

Matthew,
Please continue to rest in peace my brother. Know that your accomplishments here on earth have effected so many and your sacrifice will benefit so many more.
Again this year, other law enforcement officers, me included, will ride bikes into Washington DC to honor those heroes, like yourself, how gave their lives for the safety of others. As I train for this 250 mile ride, you will be my inspiration, as you were last year.
"No worries, no regrets", your words.
I never knew you, I never talked to you, I never even shook your hand...but I will never forget you.

Federal Agent Tim Stellhorn
DHS, CBP, Air and Marine

January 24, 2009

Matt - you are missed.

Anonymous

January 17, 2009

Thank you for your altimate sacrafice for a safer America. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bless you

Anonymous

January 4, 2009

Thank you for your altimate scrafice for making America a safer place. My God be with you and your family.

Anonymous

January 4, 2009

RIP...You will never be forgotten.

Anonymous

December 19, 2008

SA Kuglics,

I spent time with new AFOSI agents in training at FLETC the other day. I noticed your picture on the wall -- they created a beautiful memorial for you and your brothers. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

JGS

October 31, 2008

Matthew,

It's hard to believe that almost 1 year has passed since you were taken from us. Your birthday would have been this Saturday (5/31) and you would have been 26. A life so young and so full of promise cut so short.

We know that you continue to watch over your family, your friends and your fellow officers. We have attended some beautiful memorial services over the past few weeks in which you were remembered and honored. It's still hard to listen to the National Anthem or to see the American flag without getting choked up. You are a Hero, Matt.

We wish we could hug you one more time and tell you how proud we were of you and how much we loved you.

Keep smiling, laughing and passing out your hugs in heaven.

Uncle Roger, Aunt Mary, Brian and Austin Phillips
Tallmadge, OH

Uncle Roger, Aunt Mary, Brian & Austin
Phillips Family (Aunt/Uncle)

May 28, 2008

To the Matthew Kuglics family:
It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since Ryan and Matt left us, their legacy and heroism will live on forever. Take comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Time may pass but there isn't a day goes by that Ryan and Matt aren't thought of and missed, greatly.
God bless.
RIP SA Matt Kuglics

Angie
SA Ryan Balmers sister in law

May 15, 2008

Matthew,

You do not know me and up until recently, I didn't know anything about you. I do now. Matthew, we are part of the same family and you are my brother. I am another law enforcement officer.

This year in May a whole bunch of your brothers and sisters will be riding bikes 250 miles into Washington, D.C. as part of the Police Unity Tour. We will end our ride at the National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial.

Each rider will have on his or her wrist a bracelet. That bracelet will have engraved on it the name of a fellow brother or sister that paid the ultimate price within the last year. This year, my bracelet will have the name Matthew Joseph Kuglics.

Special Agent Kuglics, I am prelidged and humbled to be riding in your honor. At the conclusion of the ride, I will present the bracelet to your family. Matthew, you served your country, you put yourself in harms way so that others could live free, you were protecting the flock by confronting the wolf. God love you, sir.

I will remember you and the sacrifice that you have made and the sacrifices that your loved ones are making as long as I shall live. May the good Lord keep you and may he hold your family in the palm of his hand and comfort them during this time. For your WHOLE family misses you and we will always remember your heroism.

Tim Stellhorn

Federal Agent Tim Stellhorn
Homeland Security, CBP, Air and Marine

May 3, 2008

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 12, 2008

I come to the ODMP often to remember my late fiancé Dennis. Everytime I come here it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to live their lives without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Agent Kuglics. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. Should you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me. You will be in my thoughts.

From reading the reflections left for Matthew, he sounds like he was a great man with a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Matthew's life and the MAN that he was. Remember that Matthew's life was about so much more than the way he died. Matthew will continue to live on as long as we continue to remember him.

Agent Kuglics, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my late fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been almost five years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Surviving Fiancee of Deputy Dennis R. McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

December 26, 2007

We all know the very real danger we face when we go to fight for not only our nation’s freedom, but the freedom of those who cannot fight for themselves. Freedom is NOT free and only those who serve or have served (including their families) understand the true cost. We pay for it with our own freedom and you and others like you offered up the ultimate sacrifice. You are a warrior and a hero. You defended those who defend America and it’s way of life. There is no higher calling, nor service to our country. We will move on, we will do right by you and your sacrifice, we will not forget you. Rest in peace brother. May God grant your family solace from their grief. Watch over us as we continue the fight.

#2040
AFOSI

November 20, 2007

Rest in Peace Brother, you are missed.

SA #0584 "Fuzzy"
AFOSI

November 14, 2007

May God comfort you and your family. You are in a better place now and we'll be seing you there soon Brother!

SA Chris High
Air Force Office of Special Investigations 2 FIS/Tech Services

October 25, 2007

Matt was such an bright young man. He was excited to be stationed here in San Antonio. He planned to get out of the Air Force when his enlistment was up and teach school here. I am sure would have made a good teacher. It was not to be.

MSgt Lance Gunderson (USAF RET.)
knew him briefly

October 12, 2007

I miss you brother. I will never forget that day and I will never forget you! God Bless your family. One day we'll meet again.

SA Jeff Wysong
AFOSI

July 23, 2007

Agent Kuglics there is not enough words to express our gratitude for your service to our country. Your efforts are heroic and you will be remembered as the hero that you are.

We send our blessings and prayers to your family.

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Respectfully submitted on behalf of my department,

Officer Matthew Lewek
Menomonee Falls (WI) Police Department

July 19, 2007

My thoughts go to this man and his family, my deepest respect and thanks for keeping this world safer! Rest in peace Air Force man.

Cpl Jean Paul Rochat
Swiss Army, MP Service, Traffic Unit

July 15, 2007

Words can't express the sorrow I feel for this young man and his family. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for that he will be forever remembered.

July 15, 2007

May God bless you and your family. It's a shame that you had to sacrifice your life at such a young age. You are truly a shining example of the kind of sacrifice that goes on everyday overseas.

Agent Carla M. Torres
Department of Homeland Security/Badge#10152

July 7, 2007

Matt,

You are a hero and one of AFOSI's finest agents. We will take care of your family. You are always in our hearts... you will never be forgotten.

Godspeed Brother.

Special Agent
AFOSI

June 28, 2007

Dear Brother in Arms--

You paid the ultimate sacrifice so the rest of us can continue on living...I know you are in God hands right now and you will be deeply missed by all of us.

SMSgt (SA) Tim Manning
AFOSI Det 352

June 27, 2007

Dear Brother in Arms--

You paid the ultimate sacrifice so the rest of us can continue on living...I know you are in God hands right now and you will be deeply missed by all of us.

SMSgt (SA) Tim Manning
AFOSI Det 352

June 27, 2007