Officer Down Memorial Page

Even though I did not know you or your friends and family, when I heard about what happened to you all those years ago, and what your family and friends all had to endure long after you left this world, because of this tragedy, I too felt some sorrow, and even some rage. Rage at why somebody would do such a cowardly, and shameful act. That being said, I wish your family nothing but good times in the coming years.

I just wish that none of this could have ever happened, and that you could still be with us in this world. Despite that, it still brings a smile to my face, that even though you are gone, your spirit lives among those who remembered you, and continue to remember you all these years later.

Rest in peace, officer. May you walk the beat forever in heaven. May your sacrifice never, ever be forgotten.

Anonymous
April 11, 2012

just had an awesome 30th birthday party for you son. over 300 people came to honor you. your brother and pam are having a baby boy watch over them..love dad

father
father
March 29, 2012

Rest in peace brave Officer.

Michael
March 20, 2012

Rest in peace and may god bless you

Lt.J.Pease
B.P.D
February 16, 2012

A Hero may fall, but shall never be forgotten. RIP Sir, my prayers are out to your family and co-workers--stay safe Detroit.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 16, 2012

It feels like yesterday that this horrible act was done. I was the senior officer on Scout 4-5 and was on leave that night. Matthew was my regular scout car partner and I loved him like a brother. My life was shattered that day. I will never be the same. My one wish is to be able to go back to that day and ride along side of Matthew and Jennifer. I live with the daily thought 'if I were there it would have ended different.' Father Casey, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being there for me during that very difficult time. You are always in my heart and prayers. I truly love you and miss you.

PO Wendy Sierra
Detroit Police Department former Sct car partner to Matthew Bowens
February 16, 2012

Eight years is not a long time. I remember the night like it was yesterday. As evil as the murders were, the true goodness of police officers and neighbors of the 4th Precinct shown through. God Bless all our Police

Fr. Patrick Casey, Chaplain
Canton Police
February 16, 2012

Eight years ago today Detroit Police Department lost two great, young and vibrant officers. Officer Matthew E. Bowens and Officer Jennifer Timathy-Ann Fettig were both shot & killed on duty while on a traffic stop. I attended their funeral and I will always honor these two fallen heroes.

Ofc. Rob Trevino
Clinton PD (MI)
February 16, 2012

Matt,
It's been eight years and it seems like yesterday I got the call from Mike telling me what had happened. I thought he was kidding because that's what you two did best...god how i wish that he had been joking! I'd give anything to have you back, to see your smile again or to hear your contagious laugh again. You were so optimistic about everyone and everything in life. You inspired so many people, including myself, to be a better person. I miss you tons and think of you all the time!

Stephanie
friend
February 15, 2012

In just a few short hours it will have been 8 years. It still feels like just yesterday. The pain doesn't go away but thankfully neither does our love for you and pride in what you did. You are a true hero and were everything I could have ever asked for in a little brother.

Love and miss you dearly,

your brother

Jason Bowens
February 15, 2012

Son its Christmas time and its always sad without you

your father
Dad
December 9, 2011

It's been seven years already. Rest in peace.

Anonymous
February 16, 2011

I can hardly believe that today it's been 7 years since you were taken from us. I know you're still smiling down on us and I can't wait to see you again someday. You might have been my baby brother, but you're truly my hero.

Love you little bro.

Jason

Jason Bowens
February 16, 2011

I told my 7 year old son about your courage and sacrifice today. That little guy had so many questions I could not answer. But he knows you are a true hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. We continue to pray for your family and know that we "hold the line."

Formerly Dbn PD #424

Dave Stahl
DEA
February 12, 2011

Oh Matt I think of you and Jen so often. I really miss you both and to this day I still cry when I see your picture. I can't believe it is going on 7 years in a few short weeks. I know you watch over us and protect us, god~ little buddy I miss talking to you and laughing with you. We had so much fun, you kept me on my toes. I miss you so much today and everyday Matt. Until we meet again my friend. xoxo

PO
DPD
February 2, 2011

Thinking of you today. Rest in peace HERO. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
January 25, 2011

I hope your murderer's death was painful and he suffered horribly. Justice has been served, just not as soon as we all would have liked. Hopefully, the Corrections Officers looked the other way as this was going down...

Karma is beautiful

Rest in Peace, you and your partner are not forgotten.

PO
DPD
October 21, 2010

Justice has been served. Your killer has died. May you rest peacefully, knowing you and Jennifer, along with all the other blue angels who have been taken from us, will be forever remembered.

Anonymous
October 21, 2010

Officer Bowens, Your photo shows such a happy young man. Proud to be a police officer. God bless you and your family.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE
September 20, 2010

The cry of the city like a siren's song
Wailing over the rooftops the whole night long
Saw a shooting star like a diamond in the sky
Must be someone's soul passing by

These are the streets
Where we used to run where your Papa's from
These are the days
Where you become what you become
These are the streets
Where the story's told
The truth unfolds
Darkness settles in

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength
To carry on, carry on

Don't wanna be a hero
Just an everyday man
Trying to do the job the very best he can
But now it's like living on borrowed time
Out on the rim, over the line
Always tempting fate like a game of chance
Never wanna stick around to the very last dance
Sometimes i stumble and take a hard fall
Loose(?) hold your grip off the wall

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
Carry on

I thought i saw him walking by the side of the road
Maybe trying to find his way home

He's here but not here
He's gone but not gone
Just hope he knows if I get lost

Shine your light down on me
Lift me up so i can see
Shine your light when you're gone
Give me the strength to carry on
To carry on

unknown281
July 26, 2010

Dear Matt: I retired in 1991, ten years before you started with the D.P.D., had we been of the same time peroid I would have been proud to have you for a partner. You handled yourself admirably, when you were attacked without warning. You and your partner are heros, that will always be remembered. Rest in peace.

D/Sgt. Bill Pendergast (ret.)
D.P.D.
July 19, 2010

Officer Bowens..another one of Detroit's finest was taken away too soon..Officer Huff..please show him around up there & make sure he takes a well deserved break..continue to watch over your family & brothers/sisters in blue..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!

Anonymous
May 5, 2010

Officer Bowens, thank-you for your brave service to the City of Detroit. You are a true hero. Rest in Peace.

Lt. Stephen A. Joy #980
Prince George's County Police Department, Maryland
May 3, 2010

Ofc.Bowens thank you for your service and dedication, you made the ultimate sacrifice serving your community and you will never be forgotten, You brothers and Sisters in the North pay tribute to you.

Const. Michaels
Toronto Police Service
March 13, 2010

The Policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, officer. How shall I deal with You?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?"

The officer squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Cause those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.

But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I've never expected or had too much. But if you don't, I'll understand."

There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod.
As the officer waited quietly for the answer of his God.

"Step forward now, Officer, you've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's Streets. You've done your time in Hell."

God Bless you Officer Bowens you are a true hero

Anonymous
March 4, 2010