Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones on this 20th anniversary of you being called away from duty. Your memory has been carried on by those that love you. They will forever carry you in their hearts. Continue to keep watch over all of them, let them feel your presence so they know you are near and protecting them. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten.

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

May 21, 2008

I ran the whole thing thing for you!! Well for all the officers but mostly for you... I Love you:)

Annie
Daugter

May 3, 2008

Happy 27th Anniversary. Wish we could be together to celebrate.
Miss you, love you.

April 18, 2008

Haven't left you a message in a while so I thought I'd say hello...I'm working really hard at finishing my degree, I got on the dean's list last semester which was an amazing feeling. For the first time in my life, I'm doing good in MATH!!! I've decided that you must be helping me with that somehow.. I still miss you a ton... you've been on my mind a lot this week, losing you still hurts so much. We will be doing the walk to remember, Grandpa showed us up last year when he ran (crazy) so mom and I are stepping up our game and we are gonna run!
Love you!

Annie
Daughter

March 6, 2008

After reading aunt Lori's post I realize that I have no idea what your voice or laugh sounded like...and i'm honestly completely jealous of everyone that does. Miss you a lot, as I always do, i'll be with Annie at UIC next semester being an over protective little brother. Gonna do homework now. Love you!

Sgt Joey Mathews
USMC - Son

March 5, 2008

Wow. What to say after reading all those posts. I am with Dickie, never knew this site existed.

Well, Johnny, I miss you everyday but I know you are with me. I try to imagine you now, at 45, but that is impossible. We were both so young then and our relationship was just really beginning to blossom. I trusted you and looked up to you so very much. I am so glad we were able to share our police stories for that short period of time.

I loved your little ones then and even more now. My little Laura is a blessing in my life and she looks out for me and my kids. Oh, how I would give anything for them to know you. I have a boy who reminds me so much of you in so many ways and a girl who has that wild adventerous streak you had.

I miss your laugh, your smile, your warm nature and watching you love your family. I cannot wait to see you again. In the meantime, dear brother, keep an eye out for me and my family and I will do the same for yours!

Love Your little sis, Lori

Lori (Mathews) Bach
Little sister

February 26, 2008

I was not aware of this site. it is so nice to hear from the kids about John.
He was taken from us when he and we were becoming close. being the big brother I think I was an asshole at times. I wish he was here to hang out with. i miss him so much.

I think we would have been good friends. He loved his family so much. He packed so much success in such a short life.

I remember john borrowing my honda accord and taking the kids for rides on lake shore drive up and down a hill on the road the kids loved it.

So many memories in such a short time. I have dreams about him almost every night. I wish I had a brother to hang with. Joe and John always remember to stay close. He would be so proud of both of you. And believe me he would be looking to do some crazy things with both of you. He loved history and adventure.

Annie your dad would be so proud of you and also to see how beautiful you are. I can see him being very protective of you.

laura and John were truly in love. I remember Barb always saying why can't I be as romantic as john.

We all feel cheated that we had such a short time with you. i wish I could tell you how much I looked up to you. How proud I was when you got married and took on so much responsibility at such a young age. You trully were the best husband, father, son, brother and friend anyone could have asked for.

All my love
your brother Dickie

Rich mathews
brother

February 5, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice, you are a true hero to us all and will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

January 28, 2008

TO N. DeCook,
Thank you so much for writing that reflection, the kids love to hear stories about their dad. Thank you for remembering him and sharing your story about him, it's priceless.

Laura
wife

January 7, 2008

To John's Children -
I was a Chicago Police Academy Classmate of
your Dad's back in 1986. He was, unfortunately,
the first of several of our classmates/officers that
have been killed-in-the-line-of-duty.

In the academy, your Dad never, ever stopped
asking questions. He was never satisfied with
an "answer" he always knew there was a better
answer or more information. He always wanted
to learn more....to never stop sucking-in
knowledge. If there is anything I can share
with you about your Dad is that he -
never gave up. From some of the writings I've
seen to your Dad from you....it is evident that
it's hereditary!! I know he is very happy and
proud that it is.
God Bless all of you.
And remember....you will see him soon
and you'll have lots of time to go "exploring"
in abandoned buildings and to tell old "war
stories"!

N. DeCook, Forensic Investigator
Chicago Police Department, Forensic Services - Classmate 86-8E

January 3, 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 30, 2007

Another Christmas is here, love you, miss you.

December 23, 2007

HI JOHN YOU DONT KNOW ME AS I FEEL I KNOW YOU SO WELL . I KNOW YOU MUST SEE MY WAYNE ALLTHE TIME AND I KNOW YOU GUYS ARE TALKING GUY TALK UP THERE AND TELLING STOREIS ABOUT LOURA AND WAYNE IS TELLING YOU ABOUT ME. AND I KNOW YOU BOTH GOT TO NBE LAUGHING AT US WHEN WE ARE ALWAYS RUNNING AROUND TO THE STORES TOGETHER AND MOSTLY GOING OUT TO EAT . I GOT TO TELL YOU I THINK LOURA KNOWS MORE PLACES TO EAT LUNCH THEN I DO AND IM TELLING YOU THAT IS A LOT . I WATNED TO TELL YOU YOUR LOURA WAS THE BEST THING IN MY LIFE . AND YOUR KIDS ARE THE BEST . THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR PART OF THERE WHOLE FAMILY SO I GUESS WHEN YOU WERE HERE YU DID A DAM GOOD JOB AS THE TIME YOU WERE HERE . SO I KNOW YOU AND WAYNE MUST KNOW EACH OTHER . IM THANKING YOU FOR MAKEING A BEST FRIENDS ON THIS END. SHE IS SO HELP FULL TO OTHER AND ALL WAYS THERE FOR PEOPLE . SHE IS DOING A GREAT JOB BRING UP THOSE KIDS OF YOURS . SO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR LETING ME KNOW HER . BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE IN FAITH BRINGS YOU TO GETHER . SHE IS A REALLY GOOD FRIEND. SO IN THE FUTURE IM LOOKING TO MEET YOU IN TIME BUT NOT AT THIS TIME MUCH LATER ON . BUT MY WAYNE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN . JUST KEEP THE GOOD WORK AND WATCH DOWN ON THE FAMILY LIKE YOU BEEN AND HEY MERRY CHRISTMASS.

BARBARA KLACZA
FRIEND

December 17, 2007

Laura and to all your family, I just wanted you to know that I still hold you all in my heart. I miss John alot I remember talking to him on the front porch asking him how he liked the job, and to what to expect when I get on. We talked about the Hospital where we both worked at (Trinity)and we launghed about the old times. He will away hold a place in my heart he was and is a true friend.


Inv: David Saucedo

Investigator David Saucedo
Chicago Police Department

June 5, 2007

19 years dad...still think about you everyday. You know what has happened with me recently and I thank you for all that is good in my life right now. Got to go through the bad before you can experience what's really good and worth it in life. Love you always.

Sgt Joey Mathews
USMC

May 24, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family.

Former Police Officer (Dist.Hghts. MD)
Warrenton, Virginia

May 21, 2007

Dear Mrs. Mathews, Nicole, John and Sgt.John Mathews

I know of your pain all too well. My father was killed in the line of duty on June 19,1970. My sister was seven and I was five years old. Your father was definitely a rare breed of man. Many people talk the talk, but when it's time to walk the walk they dont have it in them. This obviously wasn't the case with your father. He is a true hero and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. I have been a Chicago Police Officer for 12 yrs now and presently work on the Marine Unit. If I can ever be of any assistance you can reach either through the Gold Star Families or contact the Marine Unit. May your family have a safe and Happy New Year. God Bless You.

PO Kurt Kaner
Chicago Police Department

January 5, 2007

Well, I guess you can tell how much Johnny takes after you, It is amazing to me since he was only 3 when you were taken from us, but he has so many of you attributes. He is high energy, insatiable curiosity and a heart of pure gold. Please keep a close eye on him for me. Joey is home safely from Iraq, I feel like I can breath again though I knew you would protect him and his men, It's so strange to think of him as a Sgt. and in charge of other men when he is my little boy. Anne is just absolutely gorgeous inside and out, she is living in the city, but now she has roommates. I worried about her so much when she was living by herself. That girl can certainly take care of herself she takes no guff from anyone. They're all straight and strong and wonderful. I love you! Laura

Laura
wife

December 28, 2006

hy dad...wow, thats really weird typing/saying that to you. i dont remember the last time i was able too. im here working now at chicago tube and iron, its a summer/winter job. Remember that time we were driving in your car, i think it was a station wagon, and you let me sit on your lap and drive, and i drove into a tree? that was awesome. its even cooler that you let me. i think it was near wolf lake somewhere. i tried growing a mustache like you, but so far, it hasnt seemed to come out right, (mainly becuase i keep shaving it). Dude, if you were here, we would have a flipping blast. ive heard stories from numerous people about you that you liked to explore places. like steel mills and stuff, or grain elevators with mom. I got all sorts of places we could go to and check out. manteno illinois, cobden illinois, abandonded hospitals, and, if you havnt already, LTV steel on avenue O, (its abandoned now, i dont know if it was when you were little). but, itd be awesome if you were here, cuz we could do all sorts of crazy things. oh, and thanks for the help when i busted my head on my dirtbike in 2001, you helped out a lot. if you werent watchin me, i prolly woulda been a vegetable. when i see you again, we are gonna have a blast. see ya dad, love you.

John Mathews
son

December 27, 2006

John and I worked together very often during his short career in the 004 Dist. I'll never forget the phone call I received at 5:30am the morning he was killed from another friend and coworker of ours about what happened. I had less than three years on the job myself at that time. John was a very hard working and conscientious officer anyone would have enjoyed working with. I think the thing I will remember most about John was when his house was being built. We always took a ride down where the new house was and took a look to see what progress was made each day. John was excited about the day he would be moving his family in. We were never too far away to make his nightly check. On the day of this horrible event, I could see the news reporters in front of the new house and could see the grass was just planted in the front. All John did was attempt to keep order on the block he just moved into. Who could have known what would happen after they moved in to the new house. John, I've seen your family several times since you left and they look good. You'd be as proud of them as I know they are of you. Rest easy, buddy. We all think of you often

P.O. Harold J. Hanley
Coworker and friend

December 8, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family especially Laura, Annie, Joey and Johnny. I was a baby-sitter for your children back then. I always think about you guys. Now that I am a police officer myself I have even more respect for you and realize the hero that you truly are. I think about you and your family quite often and definately every year at St. Jude's Parade. The sacrifice that you made to make our neighborhood a safer place and to protect your family that night will never be forgotten. I know you will continue to watch over your loved ones.

Trooper Mimi Madrigal
Illinois State Police D-Chicago

September 17, 2006

I salute you for your heroism. Keep looking down on your son and protect him as he is also a hero for his dedicated service to our country. Keep watch over all your loved ones and wrap your wings around them and protect them. I know they all miss you and will never forget you. Heroes never Die so you will be remembered always. When Chicago dedicates the memorial this September, I will look for your name along with my son's. Keep watch over those still on patrol in the City.

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

Bob Gordon

July 9, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Chicago Police Department. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Officer Mathews deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. No greater love has a man than the will to give his life for another. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Mathews is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, North Carolina

June 7, 2006

Dad...me again, I'm in Iraq now and the anniversaries just passed, I made it through...had a little bit of trouble, but I don't want to let you or anyone else down. Got a beautiful girl named Jenni who has said a million times she wishes she could have met you, i'll take her to visit you when I get home from this place. Still think about how things could have been all the time...miss you like hell. Probably would have been friends not just every other father/son relationship...i guess me and Johnny are a lot like you. Anyways dad, i'm a Sergeant now...22 years old, and still missing you everyday...until we meet again, I love you.

Sergeant Joseph Mathews
United States Marine Corps...John's son

May 26, 2006

I pray that you continue to rest in peace and also hope that you will watch over all of us down here.

Cpl. Egendoerfer
Mishawaka PD

May 21, 2006