Officer Down Memorial Page

Matt, I want your family to know that we/I will never forget you. We were classmates in Cadet Class back in the day and I remember how you loved to fly. It seems like a lifetime ago. Rest well my friend-God Bless./

Jim Rice-former WV Trooper
Special Agent-FBI
May 9, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the thirteenth 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 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 hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
April 4, 2009

I just found this page 4/09) but want to say how much the kind words and memories left by others mean. Priceless.

Matt, on Sat it will be 13 years since we have seen you. It seems like 130 years. Mom has almost grieved herself to death. We know that GOD called you home in HIS timeframe but we surely wish that we could have kept you here for a lot longer. Not a day goes by that you are not on our minds. Wish you could see the grandbabies and Joe even has a little boy that you did not get to meet. We miss you so much!!!

Ann Taylor
sister
April 2, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMERED TODAY AND THANKK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH
April 9, 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
March 2, 2008

I knew Mat for a long time. He was always 100% trooper even on his worst days. He died doing what he loved to do best and that was being a West Virginia Trooper. He talked me through some trying times and will always be my friend

Gary Steele
former deputy and close friend
August 6, 2007

You've been gone for 11 years now. It still seems like yesterday when we were listening to Alabama with all the doors open cleaning the house before Mom came home. I miss you so so much! I love you!

Kristi
Daughter
August 2, 2007

My brother now your wings are that of angels,You are missed but not forgotten by those who served and put on those Green Uniforms with the silver badge,my friend and brother.

F/Sgt Bob McComas
West Virginia State Police
October 16, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the West Virginia State Police. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Lieutenant Turner deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Lieutenant Turner 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, NC
June 12, 2006

05/23/04

Rest in peace Lt. Turner.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.
May 23, 2004

To my loving daughter Lindsay:

As we expirienced this tragedy that life delt us, we were able to handle it the best of our ability that we could have together. That from this day on, we will walk together "Hand in Hand-Side by Side" dealing with what ever else is delt to us. You will always be part of my life and know that I will guide and protect you to the best of my ability as Mom and I would have done together.

With all my LOVE:

Santi

Sr.Ptlm. Santiago Hernandez
New Mexico State Police

Matt was a dedicated officer and a wonderful father , he loved flying
for the WVa. State Police ,he is greatly missed by everyone who knew him
and loved him

Anonymous

I along with my mother and grandmother had the misfortune of watching this accident happen from just a few miles away as the Helicopter left the ski and impacted the hillside.

It is in my true belief that this trooper passed away doing what he loved and would not have wanted it any other way.

To the family and the Department please except my deepest sympathy as I know what an impact to the Agency and family it is.

My Father is a Firefighter with Kanawha County Station 24 and he attended the funeral.

I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol and I know how much flying can be addictive but at the same time know the pain it can cause.

Please except a final salute from me. *Salute*

Technical Flight Officer Justin Adkinson
Civil Air Patrol