Reserve Officer Matthew Jay Tuttle

Oh Matt, it surely doesn't seem like 8 years have passed since we were sitting in PROT and counting how many times one of the instructors said "mmmmkay" during a law lecture. I will never forget the first day of defense training and being paired up together. We practiced wrist locks on one another, only to find out later that you sprained your wife's wrist trying to practice at home. I remember the excitement from the day you made Captain and driving home in the lane next to you on 94. The last time I saw you, you were flashing your overheads at me as I merged off the highway and we waved good night. Class was never the same after we lost you. We honored your seat (back row, left side isle chair) and it remained empty the remainder of PROT as a silent remembrance of you.
Your service was quite the spectacle. News helicopters were hovering so close we could barely hear what was being said and you had the longest procession I've ever seen. A boy scout troop was standing out on the street saluting you as me, Bobby and Ed (aka "The Rock") drove by. Your service is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to get through.

Everyone that was a part of PROT 05/06 carries you in their heart.
8 years later and I'm still thinking about you.
Always Missed, never forgotten.

Nancy Mayo, Reserve Officer
Belleville Police Department

September 15, 2014