Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

While we never really worked side by side on the streets, I remember the times working contracts when you'd check with me on a traffic stop and vice versa. You always had an upbeat attitude, and a determination in your voice and step. Even when the frustration of the job would get others down, you always seemed to hold the line, to end each shift the same or better than when you started. It's a lesson for all of us to remember. You'll be truly missed by all of us. We'll hold the line now, Rich, may you rest in peace. Godspeed brother.

Officer K.B. Brown
Wilmington Police Department

February 22, 2009

From walking down the rough streets of East New York, to patroling the streets of NC, you are a true hero in everyones eyes. Rest in peace brother.

Anonymous

February 22, 2009

Rest in peace, your service and sacrafice will not be forgotten!

Patrolman Jeff Tripp
Marion,Ma Police Dept

February 22, 2009

On behalf of the NC Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates we would like to expresss our thoughts and prayers to the family of Ofc. Matthews and the men and women of the Wilmington Police Department. Please know the members of our association are thinking of you and are here to assist if you need us.

Regards,
Mike Adams
FBINAA NC Chapter Secretary/Treasurer

Capt. Mike Adams
FBINAA - NC Chapter

February 21, 2009

Rest in Peace Brother

Sgt. R. Gregson
BART Police Department, CA.

February 21, 2009

To the family of Officer Matthews,
Our hearts break for you during your time of loss. We lost our son to an on duty accident in February of 2008 and understand the pain you must be feeling. Please know that prayers are being lifted up for you for comfort and healing. May God hold your loved one in the palm of His hand. Your loved one will never be forgotten.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God. Matthew 5:9

Randy and Ruth Duncan
Parents of Fallen Latimer County OK Deputy Dustin Duncan
EOW 2/4/08

Ruth Duncan
Mother of Fallen Deputy Sheriff Dustin Duncan EOW 02/04/08

February 21, 2009

MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE.
REST IN PEACE NOW MY BROTHER

DETECTIVE
CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

February 21, 2009

God bless you and your family brother.

Senior Trooper
North Carolina State Highway Patrol

February 21, 2009

I was sorry to read about the loss of Officer Matthews. Anytime and Police Officer loses his life in the line of duty it is truly tragic. Especially for a public who really does not care. My condolences to his family, your department and yourself. Those of us who have served, and continue to serve feel the loss of any officer down. When you have experienced that call over the radio, your heart and soul race to assist with the hopes that the worst has not happened. Unfortunately it does, because of the selfless acts of police officers doing their job. We are all part of a great family and when one member is lost we all feel that loss. I' am sure that Officer Matthews was a fine man as well as a Police Officer. I shall pray to St. Jude and light a candle in Officer Matthews memory.

Ret.Det Sgt 1st Grade
NYPD

February 21, 2009

RIP.Your tour of duty on Earth is now over but you will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved you.

Anonymous

February 21, 2009

May you rest in peace. I am praying for the family. I am so sorry, words can't express how much.

Officer Murphy
CMPD

February 21, 2009

Rich, words cannot express the loss and grief that everyone feels with your passing. You are a wonderful officer and an even better person. You will never be forgotten. Bless you and all the other officers that serve and protect us with honor each day. May you rest in peace.

Central
NHC911

February 21, 2009

Thoughts and prayers are with your family and your agency. RIP Brother in Blue.

Police Officer D. Kirk #309
Round Lake Heights PD (IL)

February 20, 2009

Please pass along my most sincere sympathies to Officer Matthew's family and loved ones. It is a very, very sad day when those who serve the public good and lose their lives. His contributions and sacrifices will never be forgotten, I'm sure.
Dave

Dave D.
A friend of a Wilmington policeman

February 20, 2009

Rest in Peace, Brother.

OFC B. Grajek

February 20, 2009

God Bless Officer Richard Matthews, his family, and fellow officers. Thank you for your service Sir. Rest in Peace.

Police Officer
Ohio

February 20, 2009

So sorry for your loss.

Deputy Director Sally Fairchild
NCHIDTA

February 20, 2009

Rich, It's still difficult for me to realize I had just spoken to you the other day in the Hallway at the station. I can still see the smile on your face and hear the enthusiasm in your voice. May God Bless you and your family. I know heaven will be safe with you patroling there, and I will see you again one day, walking heavens streets.
10-42 my brother, 313.

SGT Jason Tyson
Wilmington Police Department

February 20, 2009

REST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriffs Office

February 20, 2009

RIP Officer Richard Matthews. God bless your family.

Sgt. Keith E.Whaley
Holly Ridge Police

February 20, 2009

Rest in Peace my Brother, God Bless you, your family and your Dept.

OFFICER BOB SWOPE #5609
OLMSTED FALLS POLICE DEPT.OHIO

February 20, 2009

Ofc. Matthews was a hero as are all our fallen brothers. Ofc. Matthews was responding to the call of a brother needing help..That's why he was killed; He was going to help a brother in need as fast as he could. "Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend." Ofc. Matthews you will be missed by your family, friends, and all of your brother officers in our state.

To the family, I pray you find comfort in knowing Officer Richard Matthews gave his life to help you, us(his fellow officers), and the citizens of Wilmington and the Great State of North Carolina.

Lt. W.P. Thomas (ret.)
North Carolina State Highway Patrol

February 20, 2009

How terribly tragic. Please know your family and friends are in our prayers.

Laurie Etheridge
Wife of a Greenville PD officer, NC

February 20, 2009

0, gentle Lord!

Keep the daylight watch with me.
As I begin my tour of duty,


I ask Your protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm.


Sustain me with the knowledge that I am doing Your work,
endeavoring to keep peace among Your people.

Help me to be just as I enforce the law without prejudice or favor to anyone.


May I be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties.


Let me respond to all calls with haste realizing that so many are dependent on me for life and safety.

Support me with your consoling power when I am tempted
to think no one really cares and that I am taken for granted.


Sustain in me the conviction that so many thousands do care and are grateful for my presence.

Grant that I may be loyal to my partner and my fellow officers, and that I may back them up
effectively when called upon for assistance.

Lord, I ask that I may return safely, after my tour of duty, to my loved ones and those who love me.

I pray that I may be a good and honorable police officer, and after my tour of duty is over here on earth, may I enjoy the peace and happiness of heaven that You have promised to those who serve you well.
Amen.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Rest in peace my brother in blue. We will continue to hold the line.

Ofc Harrington
CMPD

February 20, 2009

To the family of this young officer- you will be in my family's thoughts and prayers. I have faith that he is not only in a better place, but he also no longer has to wear the shield and sword and be the protector.

Officer Matthews, your tour has ended, but we in the family, will not forget...

Detective
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police

February 20, 2009