Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Officer Matthews and the fine men and women of WPD. As a former resident of WIlmington, I know many of the officers there but unfortunately I moved before Officer Matthews began his career there. Please know that others are praying for you during your loss.

Sgt BK Henline
NCSHP

February 18, 2009

God bless you and your family.

Officer

February 18, 2009

"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

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

February 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and Agency. May you sleep easy with God, Richard. We thank you for your Service, Sir. You will NEVER be forgotten.

Sgt. Trey Pellizzari
Texas Dept of Public Safety/Commercial Vehicle Enforcement--Garland

February 18, 2009

Godspeed brother in blue. You gave all to aid an officer in need. Although your passing came at way too young of an age, I cannot imagine a more honorable end to the life of a hero! God bless your family, friends, and fellow officers in this time of mourning.

D.T.J. Officer
Raleigh Police Department

February 18, 2009

Rest in peace brother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Patrolman Nathan W. Fisher
Point Township Police Department Northumberland, PA

February 18, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

K-9 Officer Tom Summerville Jr
Eutaw Police Department

February 18, 2009

God speed brother. Thank you for your dedication to the job. My heart goes out to your family and co-workers at this difficult time. You will never be forgotten Brother Matthews, rest easy, know that we have it from here. Keep a watchful eye on the rest of us on the Thin Blue Line.
Semper Fi Brother

Trooper P. H. Phalen
Virginia State Police

February 18, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother...

Sgt. Sam B. Massey
Caswell Beach Police

February 18, 2009

We would like to send our warmest regards and deepest condolences to the family, friends and department of Officer Richard Matthews. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult and sad time.

Wives Behind The Badge, Inc
Members & Staff

February 18, 2009

I moved to Va Beach from Wilmington and know several officers there. I know that you will be missed by all of them and they will never forget you. Rest in Peace, brother.

Master Police Officer Bill Frederick
Virginia Beach Police Dept.

February 18, 2009

Thank you for your sacrifice and service to our country. You will always be a hero! May the Angels be there to lead you into Heaven's gate. God Bless and Godspeed.

Lisa
GEORGIA CIVILIAN

February 18, 2009

OFFICER MATTHEWS....YOU WILL BE MISSED....THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE BOTH IN NY AND IN WILMINGTON. YOU TAKE ALOT AS BEING A POLICE OFFICER AND YOU SEE ALOT, WELL MY FRIEND, YOU ARE NOW IN HEAVEN SO YOU CAN LOOK OUT FOR THE REST OF US OFFICERS THAT ARE LEFT HERE UNTIL OUR TIME COMES...
PEACE TO YOUR FAMILY FOR THEY ARE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS.

Anonymous

February 18, 2009

To the family, friends, and coworkers of Officer Richard Matthews, our prayers are with you.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9)

RIP Officer.

Sgt. Randy Keenan (Ret)
Alameda, CA PD

February 18, 2009

Rest in peace bro', we'll take it from here

PO JA Bottillo
Troy NY PD

February 18, 2009

May God make his presence known to the family and friends of Officer Richard Matthews of the Wilmington Police Department. Thank you for your service Sir. Blessings to those who you inspired to carry on.

Margaret S. Hood
Citizens Watch

February 18, 2009

Thank you for your service and dedication to the citizens of Wilmington, NC.

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

February 18, 2009

Rest In Peace Brother. We'll take the watch from here. watch over as your fellow officers continue on. My condolences to your Family and the Wilmington PD.

PO Fred Nordt
Lake Success PD, Long Island, Ny

February 18, 2009

Rest in peace my brother, your job here will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice.

MPO Vincent
Asheboro Police Dept.

February 18, 2009

My heart goes out to the family of my fallen fellow officer. My prayers and thoughts go out to all who have been affected by this tragic loss. I pray to God that he may console your family and friends. I pray that God may dwell in your home and that the all mighty give you piece of mind. I feel your loss and I share your pain. We are all a big family. We might not know one another but at the end of the tunnel we cross paths. I hope and pray to God that he may guide your family through this tough and difficult times. May God Bless You All and may he watch over you all.

Auxiliary Police Officer Andre Ramirez
NYPD

February 18, 2009

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

INVESTIGATOR BOB CAMERON
CLEVELAND HTS PD (OHIO)

February 18, 2009

Off Matthews, may you rest in peace our brother. You'll never be forgotten.

Sgt Richard Eckert
Town of Chester PD

February 18, 2009

Another Great Warrior was lost but he will not be forgotten. Please know that our thought's and prayers are with the family of Officer Matthews and his extended family the Wilmington P.D. Rest in Peace brother warrior you will be keeping a watch over all of us now.

D/S Shane Love
Seminole County Sheriff's Office

February 18, 2009

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.......

SGT. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

February 18, 2009

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your service. Gordon Hobbs NC Wildlife/Former Wilmington PD Officer

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

February 18, 2009