Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In 2009, we were now retired from NY and living here. Never thinking that we would be called to attend the funeral of a fallen Finest brother here. Your service to NYPD and then WPD is never forgotten. Your decision to help a fellow brother cost you your life but that is what we all signed up to do. I keep your memory alive by telling my students all about you and how you died a hero. Your family is always in our prayers. One day, I will get to shake your hand, give you a hug and tell you how your life made a difference!
Forever a sister, 84-58

Tina Swanno, retired police officer
NYPD / NCPD

February 26, 2022

Rest in peace Officer Matthews.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 17, 2020

Officer mathews,11 years ago today you got your angle wings. Rest easy

Mark Mottola

February 18, 2020

Scripture assures us that, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God.” Matthew 5:9 ESV and “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 ESV.

Rev. Dr. Steven Robert Closs, DD, MSBS
Licensed & Ordained Independent Christian Minister
The Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
“An Intercessory Prayer Ministry for Law Enforcement”
Chartered by the National Association of Christian Ministers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DD, MSBS
Merrimack NH Police Department

July 29, 2018

It is hard to believe 7 years have gone by since that horrible night when you tried to help your brother officer but your car hit a tree and you were killed instantly. I keep your memory alive and tell all my CFCC criminal justice students about you every semester. Your service in the NYPD and WPD will never be forgotten brother. We pray for you and your family always!!

Tina Swanno/Thomas Morris
NYPD / NCPD ( both retired)

February 18, 2016

Today, of all days, I found pictures of us from the police academy that I haven't seen in years! Rest easy brother and continue keeping watch over us. God bless you.

Sgt. Laura Hoehl (McCormack )
NYPD

February 18, 2015

A Hero now in Heaven, always remembered and never forgotten.

Kim Weigand Mom of Sgt. Mike Weigand
PA C.O.P.S.

February 18, 2015

I really miss you Rich Matthews! I will never forget the months I spent working with you while you were waiting for your paperwork to come in from NY! You were a top notch Officer, and Wilmington PD was glad to have you! We were all very fortunate to know you. I think of you every time I see that organizing cube you gave me for my desk - it does make me sad to see it now. You have no idea how much you are missed around here 313! RIP RICH!

Heather Patterson
Wilmington PD

December 6, 2013

Thank you Officer Matthews for your service and may God grant your family peace. Father of Arkansas State Trooper Jimmie H White II. EOW 6/01/2002

Captain Jimmie H White (Retired)
Pulaski County Sheriff Dept

May 21, 2011

Everyday I pass by the site where you made the ultimate sacrifice. While I didn't know you personally, your work ethic and enthusiasm for the job were made known to me by others. I think of you often, and only wish that you could be here to see how respected you are. May your family have peace, and may you have peace as well. You will not be forgotten.

Detective
Wilmington PD

February 18, 2011

2 Years. Hard to believe. Thinking about you. Miss you always.

Anonymous

February 18, 2011

What a nice smile Officer Richards had.

Rest easy brother. You are not forgotten.

Constable Amanda Pandolfi #1249
York Regional Police, Ontario Canada

February 18, 2011

May God bless you and your family. You were a great officer and person and you are missed every day. WPD will never forget your sacrifice. I know you are resting in the glory of the Lord now.

Anonymous

February 18, 2011

We love you! Applebee's is hosting a breakfast Feb 12 to help raise funds for the Wilmington scholarship. You have a great Wilmington Police family, Bethlehem cares too. Peace be with you.

Margaret Matthews
Mother of Rich Matthews

January 31, 2011

Thinking of you Rich--working Mids in your old beat, I think of you when I pass by the site and know that when I do, I'm a two-man unit.

Kevin
WPD Patrol

January 29, 2011

May 6 the jury found him guilty of second degree murder for your death. Thankyou Wilmington. All your fellow officers were so kind to us.

May 1, 2010 The first annuual Run for Rich had over 220 participants. Lisa took first place! Tricia will do it again May 7, 2011! We love you. Mom

Margaret Matthews
Mom. always your Mom

June 27, 2010

Hey Rich, we had a service in your honor the other day. Wish we did not have to. We all miss you very much.

SSA ELlen Pierosn
US ICE/ PUT

May 6, 2010

"You fell into silence, I hate all this silence. It leaves me patient..." Thinking of you 313

Anonymous

April 14, 2010

We are so proud of you. Ten days until your sisters birthday, 11 days until we go to Wilmington and only 13 days until Chris is 21. We love you!!!!!

Margaret Matthews
Mother

March 4, 2010

Officer Matthews~

Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. We remember you and your family on this day, the one year anniversary of your sacrifice while in the line of duty.

You will remain forever in our hearts.

God Bless and keep you.

Bethlehem Star Lodge #20 FOP Auxiliary

February 18, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the firstanniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace. I pray for the solace of all who love and care for Richard.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllia Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

February 18, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

February 18, 2010

To Officer Richard Matthews, his family and his fellow officers with the Wilmington Police Department:

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

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members and Staff

February 18, 2010

Miss you so much big brother....I can't believe it's been a year...it still feels like it just happen. I know you're watching down on us.....I've been giving Bandit some extra loving for you...he misses you too :)

Tricia
sister

February 17, 2010

Just thinking about you brother as we approach the one year anniversary of your untimely death. Rest in peace and keep watch over us as we perform our duties. Matthew 5:9

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden/Former WPD officer

February 16, 2010