Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Matulis,
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 Milwaukee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

July 10, 2024

Rest in peace Officer Matulis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

July 19, 2020

Your assailant may have claimed self defense and escaped justice here on earth, but he will surely face a higher court and higher justice if he hasn't already in a different place. Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

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

July 10, 2020

Even though I didn't know officer Matulis, I remember his family fondly. His wife a nurse, checked on us neighbor kids when we were hurt. Her girls babysat us. My father worked at district 1 in those days and even still. Please give officers respect. We worry for our loved ones to come home safe.

John Vitrano
Son of MPD officer

October 27, 2018

Officer Matulis,
On today, the 43rd anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Milwaukee. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 10, 2017

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Retired Wisconsin L.E.O.

December 8, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

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

April 18, 2012

I had known Tom since kindergarten at St. Vincent de Paul in Milwaukee, WI. Tom was the best man in my wedding. It was one of the hardest funeral for me to attend, since I was going to hook up with Tom the following week. I learned of his death on the radio, coming home from a week of vacation. It hit me like a Ton of bricks, a day that will for ever be with me. Tom and I lost a good friend in Vietnam, it's a sad occassion when I'm in Washington DC and have a special closeness to the Vietnam War memorial and the Law Enforcement memorial.

Retired Detective K. Kaczkowski
Sheboygan County Sheriff's Dept.

June 11, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirty-sixth 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 who love and miss you for both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 10, 2010

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

July 24, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Matulis.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 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

February 22, 2008

Thank you for your courage and service. Overturning the conviction on a claim of self-defense is absurd!

PSO CW Edwards
North Augusta Dept. of Public Safety (SC)

January 5, 2008

The day you lost your life, I had just arrived in San Diego at MCRD to become a Marine. I did not know then that I would someday where a badge. I hope I have lived up to the standard that you, and other fallen officers, have set. Rest in peace, Sir.

Al Whitney
Yuma County SO, AZ

November 14, 2006

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN. GOD WILL BE THE ULTIMATE JUDGE OF YOUR KILLER. REST EASY.

BROTHER OF WPBPD OFFICER THOMAS MORASH, EOW 10/17/03

PO PATRICK MORASH
SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE, NY

December 20, 2005

I salute you for your service and honor you for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies....

Rest in peace, hero. God bless.

September 30, 2004

You gave the ultimate sacrifice on my birthday. May God bless you and your family.

Ray Zabetta
Richmond Co. Sheriff

December 25, 2003

Rest in peace brother
Although justice wasn't served here on earth your killer still has to face another Judge.
Gone but not forgotten.

Deputy
Walworth Co SO

December 19, 2003