Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Officer Mathews. Terrible what happened to you. Your honor and bravery on behalf of Chicago won't be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 16, 2018

I feel like you need an update. So, you're a grandpa. Your grandon's name is Theodore William Mathews (William after you and me). He was born November 15, 2015. He is the HAPPIEST BABY EVER! You would love him, and I have no doubt that he would love being around you. When he wakes up in the morning, as soon as we open the door to his room and turn on the light he gets a smile from ear to ear, it is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I feel like his laugh could stop wars. I love being a father, I've done a lot of things in my life now (thanks for watching over me during all of those times), but being a father is by far the best.

Having lost you when I was so young, I think about how I am with Theo, and as silly as it may seem, I think, 'I bet my dad was like this with me' and it makes me immeasurably happy and proud to have been brought into this world by you and Mom. I wish I had memories of you, but now, I feel like I have a pretty good idea how you were as a father, by how I am as one.

I wish you could hold Theo, I wish you could play with him. I wish I could hear you laugh when he laughed, or see you smile when he smiles. I was always told that having a baby would change me, and it has. I have so much more respect for the sacrifices you and Mom made at such a young age, and I couldn't even imagine how you guys made it, but you guys managed and managed well.

In October you'll have a granddaughter, Annie is going to be a mom. I have no doubt that she will be your little princess and you'll watch over her with immense pride, like you watch over your own children and wife.

We miss you, I hope you're enjoying watching the family you started grow! Love you, dad.

FF Joey Mathews (USMC)
Son

August 26, 2016

As my friend and partner at the time of John's death, I just want to wish John and his family peace. During those troubled times, they pulled together as one thus honoring John's sacrifice.

John would be a proud dad seeing how his family grew paying tribute to their dad in his memory. No more could be asked for than the way their lives came together. John never stopped watching over them as the years went by.

John would have been near to his retirement today had he lived through the career he chose. I'm certain that John, same as I do now as I approach my own in a few short months, would look back on these 30+ years with no regret, but only pride in a job well done, our camaraderie, and the many life-times friends he gained through it all.

Some might say, "John, I wish you could have been there". But those of us that knew him best knew John was still there for us as well as he was for his family as a symbol of life. And that was the key all along...John lives in our hearts and minds. We were never separate but united.

Thanks John. Another job well done, my friend.
Rest easy, brother.

P.O. Harold J. Hanley (Ret.)
Chicago P.D.

July 6, 2015

RIP BROTHER

Illinois Antique Emergency Vehicle Assn.

June 24, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 21, 2015

I knew you John. Not well but we were in the academy together and I knew you were a good guy. Im sure those who knew you better have given your kids a sense of who their father was. This recent news proves that.

Our kids are all we ever really have and all we ever leave. All else is an illusion.

So RIP. You still live thru them and always will. Like with Phil we will never forget.

RN
CPD Nov. 1986

July 31, 2014

Rest in peace
The Family of Det William Rolniak Eow 2/4/04

Maureen Rolniak

April 13, 2013

DEAR MATHHEWS FAMILY,
I HOPE THIS REFLECTION FINDS YOU WELL. MY MOMS FIRST HUSBAND WORKED IN 004 AND WAS KILLED IN A BANK ROBBERY IN 1968. I HAVE SEEN THE DEVASTATION THESE KILLERS CAUSE AND LOST A BROTHER BECAUSE OF ONE.
I KNOW THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT ERASE THE HURT THAT YOU HAVE FELT ALL THESE YEARS, BUT I AM CONVINCED
THAT IF YOU HAVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS YOU CAN GET THROUGH ANYTHING. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS OFFICER MATHEWS AND HIS FAMILY! IF YOU SHOULD EVER NEED ANYTHING PLEASE CONTACT ME IN THE 012TH DISTRICT.

P.O. KUCHARSKI # 11902
CPD

February 14, 2013

Hi again, Dad! Sure you're aware, but tomorrow I swear in to be a firefighter in Cicero. I try to know a little about everything, work in the technology field, bartending, firefighting, being a Marine...thanks for making sure that there would never be anything I couldn't do. Just trying to make you proud, I guess.

Sgt (USMC)/Boot (CFD) Joey Mathews
Son

July 23, 2012

Where has the time gone? We were in the academy at the same time and I remember this incident like it was yesterday. Your dedication to duty, while off-duty, should serve as an inspiration to all young officers. Thank you.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

May 22, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 24th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their memories and devotion to you through their reflections. I loved your son's birthday message to you.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 21, 2012

Hi uncle John. I'm thinking about you a lot today on the anniversary of your death. I still remember that day like it was yesterday even though I was only 7 years old. I remember staying at your house for a few days while my mom was in Florida. I don't think that was too long before you went to heaven. I remember getting in trouble with Annie for being up late and painting when we were supposed to be sleeping. You and aunt Laura were so mad. The night you died I had a dream about you. To this day I think it was you coming to tell me goodbye. It was such a vivid dream and in it you gave me a chocolate donut (my favorite!) and you told me not to be afraid and that you loved me. Since then it seems like everything has changed. We have all grown up. I wish you could have too. Everyone misses you so much. I wish you could see all of us. I'm confident that God lets you look down on us sometimes. I love you.

Keri
Niece

May 21, 2012

Missing you Johnny. You'd be so very proud of your children and Laura. They are amazing! You will never be forgotten. We love you!~ Your cousins.

Ofc. Todd Witulski CPD
Cousin

May 21, 2012

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

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Soooo...just saw a video of you from Easter in 1987 at Aunt Susie's. Mom told me about it...turns out we have the same voice...HOW SWEET IS THAT! Johnny gets your personality, but i get the voice! WOOHOO!

PS...Hi, Jenna! You freaking rock! Seriously.

Joey Mathews
Son

December 3, 2011

Hey there bro! Gosh we have so much to catch up on ... but probably not since I feel you with me every day. I miss you so much in my life. There are so many moments that I should have been sharing with you. I miss you so much but know that we will be together before long. You were the best big brother I could ask for. I so much enjoyed our relationship as it was growing, changing and becoming so close. You would love your brother in law and my children. My Matthew is so much like you and I love it. I'm with you every minute of every day and thank the Lord for life everafter ... cause we will be back together.

Your favorite and only little sis, Lori.

Lori Bach
Sister

September 13, 2011

You would be extremely proud of your son, Sir. Tell my Dad I said hi and share a nice cold one with each other!

Jenna Olson

July 1, 2011

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear daaaaad, happy birthday to you. You're 48 today, yet still 26 in my eyes. It's weird to think i've outlived you, I wish I could have spent the past week trying to figure out what to get you for your birthday so I could go over to your house and celebrate this day with you (who am I kidding, I would have bought a gift on the way to the party...ask mom, she knows how I do things). This is your 22nd birthday without us, and your 11th with Uncle Mikey. Hopefully you two aren't getting too bored with each other up there, and I hope you don't mind having to wait another 70 years to hang out with me, but I'll get there, just don't rush me. Anyway, I love you dad, happy 48th birthday.

Joey Mathews
Son

May 15, 2010

Christmas time is here again. Your favorite time of year. Remember that Christmas when it was so warm out that you washed everybody's car. Oh, where does the time go? Your daughter is in South Africa right now. Yep, that's right she's in South Africa. I know pretty neat right. Joey is living over by the old police headquarters. The area is "changing" I know pretty crazy right. Johnny is Johnny, crazy and full of life. Well I know you'll be looking down watching over us, make sure Annie get's home safe for me.
Love you!

Anonymous

December 10, 2009

Happy 47th Birthday.

Anonymous

May 15, 2009

What's up Dad? I'm out of the Marines, i'm in school...literally, in class right now...it's a class I've already taken twice, got an A both times, didn't transfer from COD to JJC or JJC to UIC...so yea, i'm just here to have something to do. Figure it's been awhile since I've said hi, I got out of the Corps in August, and I miss the hell out of it...however, I just figured I'd stop by, give a quick update on me, I'm scheduled to graduate with a political science degree in December of 2010. What do you think of my girlfriend? I did good huh? You and her would get along great! Thanks for pointing me in her direction, you did good! Hope all is well up there, I know you and Uncle Mikey just shared your ten year anniversary of being able to hang out on Valentines day. Miss you, see you in a few years, wish I could remember you so I would know what to expect when I got there, but surprises are always fun too! Bye Dad!

Sgt Joseph Mathews
USMC - Son

February 18, 2009

Dad,
Missing you today and everyday. I'm finally finishing school and I really hope your proud of me, it's been hard but I'm kicking butt. In a month I'll be 27, I have already lived a longer life then you which is very weird to think about, and I wish it weren't true. I wish you were here, I wonder what you'd be like, what our family would be like. I love you:)

Annie
Daughter

October 10, 2008

20 years today. Not doing so great with this anniversary. Still wondering why this had to happen to you, to our family. What's the big purpose. Still doesn't make sense to me. 20 years and this still hurts so bad. You were so awesome, I couldn't have dreamed of a better husband, I wish we would have had more time together though. I'm so envious of people who get to celebrate their 10th, 20th,....anniversaries. I love you!

May 21, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former Police Officer

May 21, 2008

20 years dad...so weird, love you!

Sgt Joey Mathews USMC
Son

May 21, 2008