Officer Down Memorial Page

I met Joe long ago in the 70's when he first joined the Police Department. I would watch him drive his police car up the driveway at his mom's house. He was one of the reasons I wanted to become a police officer.
RIP Capitan.

Lt. Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
December 10, 2011

Hello Mr. Mattingly,
I'm not sure If you remember me, but I was a friend of your son in Middle school and high school. I was thinking about you today, and remember your warmth and genuinely nice interactions with me as a young middle schooler. I still remember your laugh and the excitement in your voice. God Bless

Nikhil Desai
Friend
August 31, 2011

Captain,
You are truely missed . iserved under you as an intern for a number of years, filing reports, going over reports and general IT stuff. You were and still are one of my role models. A lot has changed in 4D and I want to thank you for your years of great service and mentorship.

A. Wildman - LEAP Intern (
Montgomery County Polce
May 31, 2011

Captain,
You are remembered, honored and missed.
Thank you for your service and dedication to our community and Department.

Police Officer
MCP
May 16, 2010

Captain Mattingly, it is hard to imagine that it has been over 6 years since you started your new role in heaven. For the first time, I met your wife Liz. She is staying strong for you.

Captain, thank you for your service to MCP. I have your family and friends in my prayers. Please continue to look over us as we carry on the watch. Gods speed.

Officer S.F. Barsch
Montgomery County Police, Maryland
April 7, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 6th 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.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous
September 17, 2009

Joe, thinking of you and your family on the anniversary of your death. I am so blessed to have them in my life, but I only wish I could've met them under different circumstances. I know you are watching over them always.

Stacy

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane
EOW 8/26/92, Sea Isle City, NJ Police

Anonymous
September 13, 2009

Joe and I were buddies through St. John's High School in Washington DC. It was a military high school and in our senior year, Joe was my company Captain. He was good with leadership even then. I joined the DC Police within two years of high school. When Joe and I made contact, he discussed his immediate intention of becoming a Montgomery County Police Officer. He was indeed and obviously) excited about the prospect. I strongly suspected he'd be a good Cop, which is exacttly what happened.

As unfortunately happens, we lost contact but had sporadic contact. I did, at his invitation, attend Joe's Police Academy graduation in Gaithersburg at the training facility.

As circumstances would have it, Joe and I worked adjacent police jurisdictions ( DC & Montgomary County ). We had some but not enough contact. I retired from the DC Police in 1988. I did raised my four children in Montgomery County, which is similar to Joe's family situation.

I unfortunately did not learn of Joe's death until several months after it happened. Had I known of his death, I certainly would have acknowledged this tragedy and attended his service.

What I do remember is that Joe was always a great guy in High School and maintained that in years we did have contact. We both discussed how we wanted to be Cops and what that meant to us. As a Cop, it's not difficult to know a good Cop, and Joe was certainly that.

I do regret not having maintained contact or a relationship with Joe. I have met others who knew him in later years. His quality as a person and a Police Officer never lessended.

To Joe's family, I would like to offer my sincere but belated condolences. Having lost a DC Police relative, in the live of duty, I have seen what impact is has on families. Joe's loss was to you and the citizens of the County he served well !

Although I do feel the loss of a bother Police Officer, I am proud to have known him ! He lived his belief in family and community. Not many can say that. His family and Department can ! God Bless you, Joe and the entire Mattingley family.

Kevin McCarthy
Metroploitan Police Dept. (Ret.)
Washington DC

Kevin M. McCarthy , Sergeant (retired)
High School Friend / DC Police
June 11, 2009

"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 18, 2008

Thinking of you as we near the anniversary of your accident. Your family is beautiful and Liz is a true friend, when you need her she's there to help. My girls see Kevin at school, he is so handsome. You are missed, please watch over us and keep us safe until we meet in heaven.

Jennifer Orsborne

Jennifer Orsborne
Surviving Wife of Police Officer Mark Filer
September 11, 2007

Captain,
God has called another one of us home to heaven. I'm sure you were there to welcome Luke with open arms.
Rest in Peace Sir.

April 29, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over.

SGT. John L. Gulledge Retired
Escambia CO FL SO
April 28, 2007

Joe, thinking of you and your family on this holiday season. Your family misses you so much! You'd be so proud of each of them, and especially proud right now of Lauren, graduating from your Alma Mater. I know Liz is bursting with pride! We'll celebrate her accomplishment with your family in January, and am so grateful to be a part of their lives, regardless of the way Liz and I became such good friends. I only wish I could have known you in life here on this Earth. Merry Christmas in Heaven, Joe.


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City NJ Police Department AND
Proud Wife of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

December 24, 2006

We remember... we will always remember

Montgomery County Citizen
September 13, 2006

Joe, thinking of you and your entire family today. This time of year is hard. You are missed and ALWAYS remembered.

I am so grateful to have Liz in my life. You'd be so proud of her strength. I only wish we didn't have to meet under the circumstances that we did. I hope you and Mickey have met in Heaven and have become good friends like Liz and I. Keep a watch over everyone, and know that I am here for your family.

God Bless,
Stacy

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Ptl Mickey Cullinane
EOW 8/26/92, Sea Isle City, NJ Police
and
Wife of a Montgomery County, MD Police Officer

September 13, 2006

It has been 3 years since you were called away and I know your loved ones miss you today as much as they did the first day of their loss. I'm sure they speak of you everyday and that your are in their thoughts almost every hour of every day. You will never be forgotten by those that love you nor will the Blue Family ever let that happen. Keep watch over your family. You are a true hero.

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

Bob Gordon, Chicago Gold Star Father
September 13, 2006

Rest in peace Cpt. Mattingly. We still remember you and your family.
Thank you for being a hero!

August 22, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)
August 19, 2006

Thinking of you and your family during the holiday season. Watch over us.

Police Officer
December 10, 2005

Today is a big day for Liz and the MD COPS organization. No matter what the outcome may be Liz, you will always be a winner in my heart.

Love and hugs,
Jenn

Jennifer Aaron
Wife of Ofc. Duke G. Aaron, III (EOW 07/20/04)
December 7, 2005

Captain,
As I start my second year witt this department, it is officers like you that make me proud to wear the montgomery county police uniform!
Thanks for a job well done. Its time to rest brother, the watch is now ours...

police Officer
montgomery County Police, Maryland
October 9, 2005

Thinking of you, Joe, as well as Liz and your entire family on the 2nd anniversary of your death today. May you rest in peace and continue to watch over your family, friends and co-workers always.


Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department
EOW 08/26/1992

September 13, 2005

Joe: From our days at St. John's College High School to the day of your funeral, nearly 2 years ago, it was always a pleasure to know you. By your strength of character, devotion to family, friends and community, you left a lasting impression on all that truly knew you. I'm fortunate to experienced Joe Mattingly, and will keep Joe in my thoughts and prayers. Well done Joe!

CDR Jim McDonough, USN (Ret)
U.S. Navy Retired, Rockville, MD
July 21, 2005

Captain, as your family prepares for their second National Police Week, I can't help but think how sad it is that I met your wonderful wife because of your death. I wish we would have met under other circumstances, but just know that I will always be "just down the street" to help Liz and your entire family.

I am so very grateful for Liz's friendship. She is a strong woman who you can be very proud of (and I'm sure you are!). Our paths have crossed for such a sad reason, yet it is comforting to know we can lean on each other. We always manage to laugh when we talk or get together, and for that I am forever grateful! We even joke about you pulling over "that rookie-early-hire" back in 2001...how ironic that whole thing is! We both know these things are not just coincidences! Keep sending us signs, along with Mick. Know your memories will forever live on with us.

Stacy Cullinane Smith
Surviving Spouse of Patrolman Mickey Cullinane, EOW 8/26/92
Sea Isle City, NJ Police Department

May 12, 2005

Thank you!

February 12, 2005