Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service and dedication to duty. You and the actions taken by you to apprehend the killer of two U.S. Marshal LEO will never ever be forgotten. RIP Sheriff Harold Matthews.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

July 30, 2022

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

February 13, 2021

Knew Gene Mathews, he was a good friend and i had the pleasure working with prior to him being elected sheriff...

Corporal Kenneth Moody (Ret.)
Arkansas Highway Police

June 26, 2017

Thank you for your service, Sheriff. You're never forgotten. God bless you and your family.

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

June 3, 2017

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

June 3, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 29th 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. Rest In Peace.

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 friends for sharing their memoiies and devotion t you through their reflections.

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

June 3, 2012

RIP Sir, A HERO you were and will always be known as a hero.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

February 13, 2012

I began my law enforcement career long after you were gone. You were a friend of my family and I was a friend of your sons. I have thought about you several times, heard several stories and even read a book about the night you were murdered, and in my eyes you were a hero. Its sad your life like so many others on this page were cut short. Many times I ask myself for what, but I know. Its takes a special person one like your self to wear the badge. I hope in your eyes I live up to that standard. Gene you will never be forgotten.

Cpl. H. McEntire
Jonesboro Police Dept. Jonesboro, Ar.

June 25, 2011

Rest in Peace, Sheriff Matthews. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

July 28, 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

August 8, 2007

I was Gene's friend when he was Civil Defense Director for Larence County. He was a close personal friend. I was starting out working for State Emergency Services. Gene was a take charge guy always trying to do his part for the people of Larence County. I see his death potrayed and a tear comes to my eyes because I lost a friend.

Ret. Corporal KennethMoody
Arkansas Highway Police(ret.

May 26, 2004

You are not without reflection. Thank you for your service and know you are not forgotten. God bless.

Deputy M. Moore
Warren County S.O. (OH)

December 30, 2003