Officer Down Memorial Page

The man who shot you was sentenced today. I pray there is now some type of closure for your Family & Friends, even though it's still so hard because they miss you so much.

I pray daily that God will continue to give strength & peace to everyone during these difficult times.

resident
November 28, 2011

REST IN PEACE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

OFFICER JAMES ''SPEEDY'' HARKINS
HIAWASSEE POLICE DEPT. GEORGIA
November 28, 2011

Matt,
This past Saturday morning, the rain stopped in time, the birds were singing, and, just like the ones that were buzzing around us during your Funeral, a Dragonfly was seen flying amongst those in attendance for your Memorial Service. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I am thankful to have been able to be there to honor your memory. Watch over us all......as we move forward with you, and your family in our hearts.

God Bless Matt......

PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICER #957
TAYLOR PD, MICHIGAN
July 28, 2011

Matt,
This past Saturday morning, the rain stopped in time, the birds were singing, and, just like the ones that were buzzing around us during your Funeral, a Dragonfly was seen flying amongst those in attendance for your Memorial Service. It was a beautiful ceremony, and I am thankful to have been able to be there to honor your memory. Watch over us all......as we move forward with you, and your family in our hearts.

God Bless Matt......

PUBLIC SERVICE OFFICER
TAYLOR PD, MICHIGAN
July 28, 2011

Cpl. Edwards,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Taylor. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
USBP
March 8, 2011

My deepest sympathies are with the Taylor Police Department and the family of Cpl. Edwards. May he rest in peace.

Auxiliary Sergeant TJ Cieciura
Ontario Provincial Police
September 10, 2010

Cpl Edwards, I will never forget the seeing the press conference that day...It was so sad and I could hear the utter pain in the speaking officers voice. You will truly be missed. So many dont get it, they treat cops like crap yet every day, officers around the world go out and put their lives on the line for the same people who trash talk them. I have wanted to be a LEO since I was, gosh 7 or 8 and I am just now realizing my dream as I get ready to graduate with my criminal justice degree and begin work for a police department...Does your story scare me...? Yes, it certainly does! One never knows which call could be there last. As a "civillian" who did a few "ride a longs" with the TPD (and several other depts), I remember a few scary situations that I encountered out there but that never changed how I felt...I want to be out there, I know that when I do go to work, I will run the risk like you did of walking out the door, kissing my kids goodbye and have that be the last time I kiss my kids...scary thought but, that is what you did, that is what 1000's of officers do every day, kiss their kids not knowing if that will be the last time...and for you it was. But, even knowing that, I still want to pursue my dream of being a LEO and I will and I hope your light and the light of all the fallen officers before you guide all of the "brothers in blue" both present....and future,.... Your wife and your children have my deepest sympathy and condolences Cpl Edwards, I met you a couple of times in passing when I did my rides with the TPD and although I did not "know" you, you seemed like a very nice guy! May you rest in peace forever!!!

Anonymous
September 3, 2010

When the bad guys kill a cop, this is the way that they say to the citizens, "I own you. You don't call 911. I kill your cops, I kill your 911 calls. I run the streets. You people, and your cops are not running this show. I am." Every citizen should be outraged and enraged when a cop is killed. When a citizen calls 911, they know, even if they never speak a word into the phone, that a police officer is coming to find out what is going on. When these murderers kill the cop that you called, they are telling you that you are powereless, that you should be SCARED and that there is nothing you can do. A cop killer is the guy who is telling you that you need to be afraid. They are not afraid of the police. Edwards had to respect this man's rights, he could not pat him down right off the bat til he felt that the man was more of a focus, more of a danger. This dude used his civil rights to take the opportunity to pull that gun out and shoot Edwards in the head. No warning, no calling out. Coward! He knew he was gOing back to jail for even being in possession of that gun, as a parolee. Edwards stood in his way. People, when you call 911, a man or a woman cop is coming to see what is the trouble. They don't know you, but that cop will die for you. Think about it! Appreciate, people. The American police officer does not know who the enemy is when they come into a situation. The bad guys don't wear labels on their shirts, "I'm a criminal that needs locking up" but the cops wear a label on their shirt, and they wear their oath, their shield, over their heart. It aint about white or black, folks, when you call 911 do you care what color shows up to help you?

sorrowful
August 25, 2010

I still can't beleive this has happened. You always were there to back me. I tried to do the same. I will miss all the sarcastic comments, you made it fun bro! I know I will always have a petner watching over me.

Anonymous
August 21, 2010

As a lifelong City Of Taylor resident our family was saddened by the Passing of Cpl.Matthew Edwards.We pray for all of the Edawrds Family,the Taylor Police Department and all First Responders across our Great Country.It is because of a Hero's Giving His Life that we have the freedoms we enjoy in in the United States Of America.

Rest in Peace Officer Edwards!We will all meet again in the Glory Of Our Lord God and Saviour.

The Mullins Family

Martin D. Mullins
Taylor Resident
August 12, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and co-worker's of this Fallen Officer. Thank you for your service and protection. You are a true HERO. May you REST IN PEACE SIR.

Diane Waynant Murray
Sister of Fallen Officer Inspector Brian Waynant EOW 3/1/10
August 8, 2010

To Shannon,wife and children, family, friends, and servants of public officials;Our deepest condolence goes out to each and every one of you. I met Matt on a couple occasions thru my sons job where he and his friend Hadi got to know Edwards, and many of Taylors finest.All I ever heard was good about this man. We cried and prayed and will continue to pray for all of you on this senseless tragedy. R.I.P Matt you will be sorely missed!

Jacqui- mom of Kevin friend of Matts
August 8, 2010

To the Family of Cpl. M. Edwards:

My deepest & sincere condolences to you in the loss of you loved one. My prayers go out to his wife and children, his parents, and extended family. I knew Matt when he was about 11 years old and his parents, aunt & church participated in a Baptist Bowling league with our church. He will be greatly missed by all that his life touched.

Rest in Peace, my fallen brother.

Officer Terry Cooper
Henry Ford Hospital Police Authority
August 6, 2010

We watched the television patiently waiting and desperately wanting to hear that you were ok. When the news came, there were no words to describe the pain we all felt. Although we didnt know you personally, I see all of my officers faces in yours, and I pray that god watches over each and EVERY one of them. And I pray that Cpl Edwards will help light the path of the officers in Taylor that wont be able to see clearly for some time.
No words will help ease the pain of this tradegy, I will continue to pray that god will help all those who loved this great man through this.

Dispatcher
Dearborn-Heights Police
August 3, 2010

From USICE, God Bless You. RIP Brother

Agent Lucas Wandyg
Immigration And Customs Enforcement
August 2, 2010

Matt RIP and God Bless your family.

Retired Officer
Flint Police
August 1, 2010

To the family of Corporal Mattthew Edwards:

I am so so saddened by the death of this wonderful man, I understand the intense pain of this tragedy. I live it. I pray my dear brother Jason Makowski, who was also 31 when he was killed protecting the neighboring city of Dearborn Heights ,met you in Heaven. God , I pray for the family and pray the support continues always.. Thank you Matt Edwards for laying your life down and for being a respected and loved Police officer.
Tara Makowski-Wester
sister of Jason Makowski #7 Dearborn Heights,Mi

Tara Makowski
sister of slain officer Jason Anthony Makowski
August 1, 2010

Rest easy Brother In Law, your watch on earth is now over. I pray Gods mercy and Love towards your Family, and Loved ones.......

Sgt. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia CO Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.
July 31, 2010

Matt
I feel blessed to have known you and Blessed we will see each other again We will take care of your wife and kids thankyou for all you did and untill we meet again enjoy your time with Jesus

Anonymous
July 31, 2010

You gave your life leaving your family and friends while others slept peacefully knowing you were out there protecting them and their families. We will always be grateful!

Trooper Chris Bommarito
Michigan State Police
July 30, 2010

I am saddened at your death. You were a good man. Rest in peace.

Anonymous
July 30, 2010

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Department, Columbia, SC
July 30, 2010

On behalf of all of us at Ottawa County, our sincere condolences and prayers go out to Corporal Edwards, his family and co-workers. Out thoughts will be with as you work through this difficult time.

R.I.P

Deputy
Ottawa County Sheriff, Mi
July 30, 2010

To the family of Matthew Edwards, the City of Taylor and the Police Department. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Your loss is huge. May God ease your pain.

The Davis Family
Dearborn Heights, MI
July 30, 2010

I am not a police officer. i'm the mother-in-law of a wonderful police officer. My heart bleeds for officer Edward's young family. His death is a great loss to our community, a much greater loss for his precious family.
He was close to the end of his shift. Probably making plans to spend the rest of his day sleeping for a few hours, getting up and spending some time with his family before going back to work. Much like my son-in-laws days. That one last brave act cost him his life.
I would like to thank every police officer that risk his or her life to protect our communities, our states, our neighbor hoods, & our homes. Without each of you we the citizens would live in constant fear. Knowing we can dial 911 and one of you will respond to our emergency, and will do everything possible to help & protect us. There's no words that can express my gratitude to each and everyone of you. May the Lord walk with each of you and take you home safely to your families.
Thank you for your service, Thank you for your bravery, Thank you protecting each and everyone of us..
Thank you officer Edwards..

Anonymous
July 30, 2010