Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I grew up with Leroy. Played football against him. Raised a lot of hell with him. He was the kind of friend you are glad to have. I will miss my friend. He always had a smile on his face, even when pissed. I know he would want me to say this, the spot where it says weapon used, it was a Sig 45. He always said the 9mm was for pussies.

Jeb
Friend

July 7, 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

July 7, 2009

Anytime a fellow officer loses his life in the line of duty we all feel a deep sense of loss. I offer my prayers to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Matthews, may you find peace and comfort in this time of inexpressable loss. To Deputy Matthews I offer my solemn thanks to you for having the courage to stand as a member of the thin blue line. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Be at peace with God brother and may He bless you and all of yours.

Sgt. Davis
TCSO

Sgt. Davis
Teton County Idaho Sheriff's Office

July 7, 2009

Thank-you for your service. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police, Md.

July 7, 2009

Rest In Peace.

#2959
U.S. Marshals

July 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Adams County S.O. Fallen but never forgotten.

Bryan laurie- Son of Fallen Officer
Nathan Laurie EOW 7-29-04

July 7, 2009

Rest in peace, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.....

Detective Edward Carlile
Northfield PD (OH)

July 7, 2009

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Monte Matthews as well as to the Adams County Sheriff's Department. Rest in peace Deputy Matthews, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

July 7, 2009

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

July 7, 2009

Another hero has been taken from us to patrol the streets of Heaven on angel wings. May you always rest in peace, Deputy Matthews. Prayers and condolences to the family, friends, fellow officers, and brothers and sisters in uniform around the world. A nation grieves with you for this tragic loss. Thank you for your service, sir. You will not forgotten.

Peggy Parker
Texarkana

July 7, 2009

REST I PEACE, BROTHER. MAY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS NEVER FORGET HOW YOU LIVED AND THE WAY YOU DIED.

INV HAROLD HUTCHISON (RETIRED)
HUNTSVILLE ALABAMA POLICE DEPT

July 7, 2009

Deputy Matthews thank you for your service to the citizens of Adams County and all of Idaho. I will say a prayer for your family and all those who knew and worked with you. Watch over us from heaven above, God Bless.

Capt. David Platt
Payette Police Dept.
Payette Idaho

Capt. David Platt
Payette Police Idaho

July 7, 2009