Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Mathews.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2021

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

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

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Not one single day goes by that I don't think about you Kevin. You were a class act all the way and I deeply miss your smiling face and positive attitude. It was a pleasure and an honor to have been in the motor unit with you and a pleasure to have had the opportunity to ride alongside you. You are always in my thoughts and I can see your face like it was just yesterday even though all this time has past. You were truly a far better man than I, may God Bless you Kevin you could always make me smile even when I didn't want to you were truly an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with you. I miss you buddy!!!

Former Motor Deputy Richie Francioni
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

April 29, 2015

We will never forget the sacrifice that you and your family made for all of us. Continue to rest in peace hero..

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

March 6, 2012

Rest in Peace, Deputy Mathews. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 16, 2012

We will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to protect and serve. Continue to rest in peace...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
EOW 08/06/02
Union County SO, Lake Butler, FL

Anonymous

March 6, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this day. Continue to keep watch over all of them and those still out on patrol. You will never be forgotten as true heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

March 6, 2010

Kevin, I remember you so well. We had just finished going to instructor techniques class when you were killed. I remember all of us riding our motorcycles out to eat after the last day. Your positive spirit, love of your job, and love of motorcycling left such an impression on me.

You were an inspiration to me in the short time I knew you. I eventually became a motorman, too. I still think about you.

Officer Robert Worcester
Tequesta Police Department

October 7, 2009

Kevin , I think about you everyday and 16 and a 1/2 years I still miss you terribly. I miss all the crazy things you did ,how happy and positive you were about life and your job and being a Motorman.You were the best partner I ever had at work and in training. You know you were my best friend and like my younger brother. God bless you and your family. Steve

Retired Motor Deputy Steve Wexler
Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office- Co worker

November 15, 2008

Today on the 16th anniversary of your death, we pause and say a prayer for those you left behind.
Rest in peace Motorman, you are not forgotten.
Chief John Roelants (retired and also former motorman RBPD Fla)
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

March 6, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

March 5, 2008

"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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

December 15, 2007

Kevin...We all miss you

Robert Mathews
Brother

July 9, 2007

DEPUTY MATHEWS, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD ONLY TAKES THE BEST TO HELP HIM WITH HIS PLANS.

KIMBERLY KIDWELL
DAUGHTER OF FALLEN STANFORD OFFICER GARY KIDWELL

March 6, 2007

G-d Bless.

March 6, 2007

15 years and time has not diminished your sacrifice.
Thank you for your service and for choosing such a
difficult career.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

March 6, 2007

To the family and friends of Deputy Kevin Douglas Mathews, and most especially to Deputy Mathews himself:

On this the fourteenth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is honored and revered. Rest in Peace, Deputy Mathews.

May his loved ones continue to be comforted and supported by your law enforcement family, and by other police survivors who share this painful journey with you.

In reading the reflections about Deputy Mathews, it it obvious that he was well-respected and cared for by many people.
His valor and dedication will never be forgotten, and his memory will be forever revered.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD eow 4/24/05

March 6, 2006

Kevin it's been along time since you passed and a day doesn't go by without thoughts of you and all of the guys at your house...We miss you !

Det. Fred Araujo
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

June 7, 2005

Miss you Brother

Det/Sgt Scott Rodriguez
Marion County Sheriff's Department

October 25, 2004

Brother, I look at a photo of you and I about everyday and miss that great sense of humor you had. You are still missed.

Detective/Sergeant Scott Rodriguez
Marion County Sheriff's Dept.

October 25, 2004

rest in peace motorman.

Ofc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Dept.

January 30, 2004

It's hard to believe it's been over 11 years now. Kevin was a true friend and inspiration to me. He had a demeanor and personality that was admirable and was a true gentleman. I miss him very much.

Firefighter Bryan Fields
Martin County Fire-Rescue

Kevin was an excellent Law Enforcement Officer and gentleman. He is missed by all who knew him.

Cpl. Dean Johnson
Palm Beach County (FL) Sheriff's Office