Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While I never had the pleasure of meeting Officer Matthews, I am so grateful for the service he has provided my family. Thank you for working so hard to keep my neighborhood and my town safe for our children. Thank you for all of the times you protected us and never heard a "thank you" at the end of a hard day. We are sad to have lost you as an officer and realize that you have made the ultimate sacrifice, but we know you will be watching over us from Heaven. God Bless.
The Gainey Family
Grateful citizens
Wilmington, NC

Rebecca Gainey
Grateful Citizen

February 19, 2009

Officer Matthews thank you for your willingness to help your fellowman. God bless you. Rest in peace my brother.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

February 19, 2009

As a citizen of Wilmington; I thank you Officer Matthews for the ultimate sacrifice you have made. My prayers go out to your family, friends and fellow officers that they will find comfort in knowing that you were obviously doing the work you had been so led to do.
God's Peace
ldba

Anonymous

February 19, 2009

God Bless and rest in peace.

Det. R. J. Wright
Greenville Police Department

February 19, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with those friends and family members that are left behind and cannot follow. Rest in peace my brother in blue...we will take it from here.

PFC Adam F. Laser
Westminster City Police Department

February 19, 2009

It seems just like it was yesterday when you came to the squad and you were working the beat with 213 and myself. We had alot laughs, especially me working with two former NYPD guys. Always know you did it right kid...you will be missed. Godspeed 313, RIP.

Corporal L.V. Locklear
Wilmington PD

February 19, 2009

Officer Richard Matthews has served his time on this earth protecting and serving. God has now lifted up another Soldier to be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Brother, You are needed more in Heaven to do wonderful works for our Heavenly Father. May God bless your family and let them cherrish their wonderful memories of you, for it will not be long for us all to be together rejoicing in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Trooper Allen Locklear
NCSHP Trp D, District 2

February 19, 2009

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept,NY

February 19, 2009

Rest in Peace brother

Deputy John Latour (retired)
Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office

February 19, 2009

My Dear Richard,

You will be sorely missed. Our hearts are broken. We will always think of you and all the good that you have done in your short life. We are proud to have you in our lives. We were with your parents last night along with the Fruhmans, the Collins and Marita. We told stories of you growing up which brought us to smile and shed some tears. Your parents are strong and of faith but your absence will leave them with a hole in their hearts.

I pulled out a picture last night of you, Jason and Chris. It was Jason's first day of kindergarten and you wanted to see Jason off on his first day of school.

We will miss you so very much and always remember that you will be in our hearts forever and one day we all will be together.

Rest in Peace. Liz, Joe and Jason

Liz Hahn
Neighbor and Friend

February 19, 2009

Officer Matthews,

Rest in peace brother.

Detective Dave Howell
Plano,Texas Police Dept-Auto Theft

February 19, 2009

Rest in Peace Officer Matthews!
You will not be forgotten!
VALAWENFORCEMENT salutes you!

Willie Bell Hopewell VA
Friend Of All Law Enforcement Officers!

February 19, 2009

On behalf of my fellow recruits from the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow officers of Officer Matthews. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Session 46: Schenectady, NY

Recruit Kurt Nolan
Zone 5 Academy

February 19, 2009

To Margaret & Dennis (parents of Officer Matthews), to his sister Patricia and brother Christopher, our deepest sympathies and condolences at the death of your beloved son and brother, Richard, from the priests and people of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him! May he rest in peace!

Msgr. Thomas Baddick
Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church

February 19, 2009

It can be said that the greatest gift anyone can give for another is their life. Officer Mathews, you have done this. Others will take your place on the line, but you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May God bless you and all who shared in your life.

Robert McCracken
former dispatcher, New Hanover Co. 911

February 19, 2009

To Margaret & Dennis (parents of Officer Matthews), to his sister Patricia and brother Christopher, our deepest sympathies and condolences at the death of your beloved son and brother, Richard, from the priests and people of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him! May he rest in peace!

Msgr. Thomas Baddick
Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church

February 19, 2009

Rich,
God bless you and keep you in his loving arms. We lost another hero and heaven gained an angel. Watch over your family and know they'll be taken care of by us here still on earth.

With deep respect,
Kim Weigand
Mom of Sgt. Michael C. Weigand
E.O.W. 9/14/2008

Kim Weigand

February 19, 2009

May God lay his healing hand upon the family and friends of Officer Matthews and may they know he will never be forgotten. Thank you Officer Matthews for your dedicated service to the people of North Carolina and the United States.

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

February 19, 2009

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

February 19, 2009

REST IN PEACE BRO, WE'LL TAKE IT FROM HERE.

PO K.J. JONES
North Greenbush, NY PD

February 19, 2009

God Speed, Brother.

P.O.K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

February 19, 2009

Rest in peace with our thoughts and prayers.

2602C
Raleigh Police

February 19, 2009

Officer Matthews Rest in Peace.

C.O. Stephen D. Celestino
Westchester County Dept. of Correction, NY

February 19, 2009

Rich, It was an honor to have worked with you, we missed you when you left the NYPD and now we will miss you even more. You were always there to lend a hand or help out when needed. And your sunny disposition touched more then you will ever know.

To Rich's family and loved ones, on behalf of everyone here at the 75 we mourn your loss and feel your pain.

75 pct.
NYPD East New York Brooklyn

February 19, 2009

We Ride for Those That Died... Heroes live Forever.
Rest now brother we will finish what you started.

Anonymous
Police Unity Tour viii

February 19, 2009