Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace Deputy Matuskovic. Prayers for your family and your work family. My daughter and son-in-law worked with you and are so saddened. My prayers to Mr. Britton's (no relation) family o you loss.

Karen Britton
Mother of co-workers

September 14, 2014

RIP brother Joseph.

May God bless and be with your family, co-workers and friends at this very difficult time.

Det. Bevenour
Gettysburg Police Department

September 14, 2014

THAT BLUE FABRIC THAT IS THE VERY LINE OF OUR PEACE AND SAFETY

"I have laid down my life in service to all of you.
I have been a part of that blue fabric that has held the line between your safety and your victimization. I have given my life so that others may live in peace. I have lived my life as a dedicated member of the greatest profession. There is no greater honor.

As I now become a part of the rich history of law enforcement, please remember me always for I have left behind those who loved and depended upon me.
My partners and my agency, please remember my family, their loss, and don’t let time soften your compassion for them.

You guard the gate now and hold that blue line. I will continue my watch from above."

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND COMFORT IN THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE HERE ON EARTH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO US ALL.

Doug Gist, Captain (ret) Washoe SO (NV)
Silver State National Peace Officers Museum, Virginia City, NV

September 14, 2014

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.

N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE

September 14, 2014

The swine responsible for your death should face true justice in the afterlife. My heart goes out to everyone at the Charleston County Sheriff's Office and all who know and love you best.

My prayers are also with the second Deputy. I pray he does not get a page on this site and that his recovery, both physical and psychological are speedy and thorough.

Also, to Mr. Britton. May all who know and love you keep you forever in their hearts and minds so that you never truly leave them.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

September 14, 2014

My brother now is your time to patrol the streets of heaven because we know you served well on this earthly battlefield. Angels will continue to watch over your family and make sure that you will remain in their hearts. Take your rest.

Cpl. J. A. Myrick
South Carolina highway Patrol

September 14, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. We appreciate Deputy Matuskovic service to his community.

Stewart and Lala Brumfield
Retired Kentucky State Trooper and Wife

September 13, 2014

Fallen but never forgotten

Bryan Laurie BNSF Railway Police Son of
EOW 7-29-04

September 13, 2014

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."
Author Unknown

Sergeant
Chad Miner

September 13, 2014

My prayers to your family Deputy Matuskovic. You truly are a hero to our state of SC. Rest in Peace.

From a Future Officer's girlfriend

September 13, 2014

Avenue of the Fallen

Standing at attention in their class “A“uniforms, badges gleaming and shoes like glass, are your brothers and sisters of Law Enforcement. All of whom have previously paid the ultimate price.
Today, like many others, they welcome you to this wonderful place.
As you march down the Avenue of the Fallen, all eyes focus on you as if to say “it’s OK, you’re with your eternal partners.”
A salute is followed and a tear can be seen on so many faces.
Welcome, you served well.
Now come join us in the ranks, another is coming home.
Officer Jim Weaver (#11452), Los Angeles Police Department retired
12-25-2010

Sheriff Jim Weaver (Retired)
Jerome County Sheriff's Office, Jerome County, Idaho

September 13, 2014

I am so sorry to hear about this double tragedy. Rest in peace, Deputy Matuskovic.

Citizen

September 13, 2014

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Sgt. E. Kemmer #142
Nevada Highway Patrol

September 13, 2014

Rest In Peace Deputy Matuskovic

Civilian supporter and future LEO
Lorain, Ohio

September 13, 2014

RIP, Brother. May God give comfort and stregnth to both the immediate and 'blue' families. The loss of one is a loss to all.

Chaplain Paul Worley
San Antonio,Texas PD

September 13, 2014

My thoughts and are with all of you at the Charleston county sheriffs office. My prayers are with his family and friends. R.I.P Sir!

Wm Jean-Paul Rochat
Swiss army, MP, Trafic Unit

September 13, 2014

RIP brother, let's all make sure we show our love for our families everyday, you never know which day could be your last...

Detective Jeff Neil
Durham Police Gun and Gang Squad

September 13, 2014

My sincere condolonces to his department and his family. Rest in Peace my friend

Sgt. Bill Grotjahn - Retired
Coral Gables, Florida PD

September 12, 2014

I was just reading the reflections on my son's page and wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be proud.

Lillian Hunter Dodson

September 12, 2014

TO THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES OF CHARLESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, DEPUTY SHERIFF JOSEPH MATUSKOVIC.

My heart is filled with great sadness at learning of the lost of your loved one and fellow Sheriff's Deputy.
We in the Law Enforcement Community are a family, though we may wear different uniforms and have different badges, shields or stars pinned upon our chest.
Our areas of enforcement may vary, we consist of many different agencies from across the nation, for we are:
Municipal Police Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, State Police Investigators, State Highway Patrol Troopers, Conservation Officers, College Campus Police Officers, Correctional Officers and Federal Agents just to name a few.
We patrol small towns, large cities, college campuses, county roads, state highways, state parks and the United States Borders.
Whether active duty or retired, we are one family, a Law Enforcement Family, brothers and sisters bonded together by HONOR, SERVICE and PRIDE.
Daily we honor our fallen brothers and sisters never forgetting their sacrifice.
Daily our position is clear that we will SERVE and PROTECT our communities without faltering and with no hesitation.
Daily we show pride in our chosen profession LAW ENFORCEMENT, for we willingly walk the line of GOOD over EVIL facing the unknown with COURAGE keeping our trust and faith in GOD. We know that evil roam these streets and at any moment in the course of performing our duties the ultimate sacrifice might be required of us in the service to our community, for LAW ENFORCEMENT is not a job but a calling and only a few will make the decision to commit to that calling to serve for some will give all that they have.
DEPUTY MATUSKOVIC!
You did not die in vain
You sacrificed your life in the service to the citizens of Charleston County in the State of South Carolina with HONOR, PRIDE and DISTINCTION.
I'm proud to have worn the uniform of a Law Enforcement Officer like you did.
I'm proud to have pinned the badge upon my chest like you did.
I'm proud to have SERVED and PROTECTED my community as you did.
I'm proud to call you my BROTHER!
I commend you my fallen brother for making the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of your duty.
For you left us doing what you chose to do.
Performing a job you were trained to do.
Upholding the oath you swore to do.
Most importantly doing what you loved to do........SERVING
and PROTECTING your community with HONOR and PRIDE making a better and safer place for us all.
FINAL CALL
Deputy Matuskovic status............Deputy Matuskovic status
................Deputy Matuskovic status.....................
Attention all Units................Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Sheriff Joseph Matuskovic having served the citizens of Charleston County in the State of South Carolina with HONOR, PRIDE and DISTINCTION is now 10-42.
Rest in Peace my fallen BROTHER, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

Senior Master Investigator Cardell L. Dobbins #188 (Ret.)
Illinois Secretary of State Department of Police District 01, Region 01

September 12, 2014

Heaven has gained another peace keeper. I shall continue to remember you and your family in my prayers. God bless you and thank you for your service.

Robbie Andrews, Sergeant
South Carolina Dept. of Corrections

September 12, 2014

Thoughts and Prayers to the Officers Family and Department . Thank-you for your Service . 10 - 42 , God Bless .

Rick Mercurio

September 12, 2014

Gone but never forgotten. Thank you for your selfless service, sir. I come from a law enforcement family as my dad is a retired USCG Chief of 20 years and my Grandpa was a retired Police Captain of 34 years. I'm looking to follow that tradition and I am praying for you and your family along with your department and everyone who is impacted by your loss.

Future LE Officer

September 11, 2014

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO! May God
Give the family and friends the strength and faith to deal with this tragic loss. Words can not express my sorrow!

"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 BMI © 1993 - All Rights Reserved

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 11, 2014

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Joseph Matuskovic. I am truly sorry for your loss. God bless you.

Derrick Dunston
Son of fallen P.O. James T. Dunston

September 11, 2014