Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Patrolman Matonich,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 16, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Matonich.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 12, 2019

I will always love you.

Mary Ann
Sister

August 10, 2014

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Matonich. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 27, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 40th 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 murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Your sacrifice was made so many years ago. Evil was, is, and will be a part of life just as goodness such as yours will also be present.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 16, 2010

Four decades may have passed but you are still remembered. You are a true hero and heroes never die.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/05

October 16, 2010

Your ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered by the CPD. Your swift actions that day, which resulted in your unfortunate death, proves your dedication to the job.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago

October 12, 2010

You have not been forgotten.

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

October 16, 2009

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

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

October 15, 2008

RIP and know that you will always be remembered by those who know and love you.

Anonymous

October 5, 2008

You are not forgotten.

Anonymous

September 20, 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

October 17, 2007

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 16, 2007

I was only a few days old when you died...Thanks for your service. I will make it a point to remember you every October. Rest in Peace.

P.O. Rick Aztlan
Chicago PD

June 16, 2007

You have not been forgotten. Your name now appears on the wall of the Chicago Police Memorial located on the Lake front. It is there with honor and pride to let you know that you are a hero and will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service to the City of Chicago.

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

October 16, 2006

You will always be remembered! Thanks for your service.

July 24, 2006

Thirty six years later and I can still remember the times we shared. Even though the time that I had to get know you was too brief, you left behind a huge, and positive impact on your family and friends that lasts to this day. You will always be missed and your sacrifice for your community never forgotten. Thanks for the memories Uncle John.
PK

Peter Kramer
Nephew

July 4, 2006

I am honored to be among the first to leave a reflection in your memory. Thank you for your brave service and may you rest in peace.

A citizen

October 16, 2004