Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Matt and I were roommates for a while in college. I will always remember his sense of humor, zest for life, passion for drums, our antics in psychology class, adventures in my grandfather's Ford Thunderbird, and the way he pulled me out of the crosswalk when a passing motorist failed to notice we were there. I would have been struck by that car if it weren't for Matt's quick actions. He was the best friend a guy could have.

Matt, your strength and courage has given me the desire to pursue my own career in law enforcement. You will never be forgotten. I miss you terribly.

Stewart Allen
College Roommate

Matt,
I was at your funeral and it left me speechless...I can see how loved you were by all.

I pray for you, your family and wife....

Rest in Peace, Matt....

Detective Cynthia Caterson
Lynnwood Police Department

Matt was one of my best friends, and I just thought that I would share with all of you the eulogy that I gave at his funeral, in hopes that you get to see how important Matt was to his family, friends, co-workers, and the community. I know that Matt has gone home with the Lord, and although I take comfort in that, I miss him terribly. I also wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to this site--the outpouring of support has been tremendous. Thank you all! I will miss you always little Buddy! Deputy Jim Smith 4A120

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Deputy Jim Smith’s Eulogy @ Deputy Matt Herzog’s Memorial
09-19-01, 1100 hours, Christ The King Church:

Good afternoon. My name is Jim Smith, and I am a Deputy Sheriff and Field Training Officer with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Matt was one of my best friends, and I am honored to speak to you today about him. I felt the best way to tell you about him is through my own experiences with him, because I know that all of you, who loved Matt as I did, have similar stories.

So what can I tell you about my little buddy Matt? Matt and I were hired within 3 months of each other, and while waiting for the Police Academy, we were partnered-up to serve civil papers. Matt and I passed our struggle with the sit-ups and went to the Police Academy together. During the Academy, Matt and I became close friends. He was one of the first ones to see both of my daughters after they were born, and he and Amy made it a point to come to my daughter’s birthday parties. Matt would frequently stop-by my house during the shift and play with my oldest daughter, Morgan. As a result, Morgan includes Matt and Amy in her nightly prayers. All I can say is that Matt and I just “clicked,” so much so that our supervisors would often stick us on opposite sides of the County to keep us from fooling around.

That leads me to one of Matt’s best-known qualities, his sense of humor. Matt always had a smile on his face and shared his joy of life and police-work with others. Matt loved imitating Mike Myers, Tom Cruise, and others, so much so that we stopped speaking to each other in normal voices. Matt and I would carry-on full conversations in humorous dialects, which my wife promptly reminded me of when I would come home and speak to her that way. Matt was also an incredible dancer, and perfected such classics as the lawnmower, the shopping cart, and the sprinkler.

Speaking of dancing, Matt loved disco, so he bought a small disco ball and mounted it inside his patrol car. While responding to calls, Matt would spin that thing and illuminate it with his flashlight, which is a site to see inside a patrol car if you never have seen it. Also, one of Matt and my favorite pastimes was “disco time.” When it was dark outside, Matt and I would stand in front of our patrol cars, with no lights on but the Opticon strobe light. We would then take turns with our disco moves, and if a disco song happened to be on the radio, we would play it through the P.A. system.

Matt and I were definitely the odd couple, especially because of our size mismatch. While at the Academy, Matt had to try and tackle me during defensive tactics class. Well, my extra 70 pounds kept Matt dragging behind me, so in response, he decided to do a wrestling style backwards suplex, which effectively dropped me on the back of my head. I then tried to be the macho type and immediately stand-up, but promptly fell over with a mild concussion. Matt seemed to always remind me of this story whenever I mentioned his size, and seemed to rejoice like David did when slaying Goliath. We also looked quite a bit different in age-- I look much older than him even though I’m younger. Matt and I frequently had a running joke that I would call him “Son” and he would call me “Dad.” One time at a local high school, Matt and I went into the office to serve civil papers while in plainclothes. After I identified myself as a Deputy Sheriff, the front office staff asked Matt for his hall pass. As you can imagine, Matt turned his usual apple red and promptly showed his badge. I always thought he would be appropriate for 21 Jump Street.

Matt was also a practical joker. One of his favorite things to do to me while we were road-siding was to hit the siren when I was transmitting on the radio. One night, our Sergeant assigned us adjoining patrol beats—first mistake. Matt performed a traffic stop and I decided to pay him back, I mean cover him. My call sign at the time was “Sam 18.” While Matt was seated in his patrol car, I leaned in his passenger-side window, and when Matt went to transmit a driver’s check over the radio, I belted out the loudest high-pitch wail I could. Now if you have ever seen Jim Carey in Dumb & Dumber, you will know about the “most obnoxious sound in the world,” which Matt, and the rest of Whatcom County, heard. Without missing a beat, Matt informed dispatch that “Sam 18” was out with him. A wave of microphone clicks came over the radio, and when our Sergeant asked if he could be of any assistance, Matt nailed me a second time by broadcasting, “No, Sam 18’s all right now.”

Matt’s humor wasn’t just directed at me though. One night, two of our K-9 handlers, Doug and Jason, were ripping on each other in the report room. Without warning, Matt comically threw in his 2-cents and said, “Doug, you’re shaped like a pear.” Needless to say, the squabble abruptly ended and Doug went home in defeat with a body-image complex.

Perhaps Matt’s best quality was his love of family and friends. Matt commonly delayed going places with me so that he could drive to Mount Vernon and have lunch with Amy. He frequently spoke about his and Amy’s trip to Hawaii, as well as the Herzog family trip to Mexico. I can’t tell you how many times Matt would brag about his dad, Todd, being ripped at the Cabo Wabo with a big fat stogie in his mouth. Matt also liked talking about his father-in-law’s garage and the latest repairs he was making to either the Bronco or Trans-Am. Matt also cared for his friends. When I rolled my patrol car one night, ultimately injuring my back, Matt was the one who drove me to the hospital. Although he laughed at me the entire way there, he stayed with me while I was treated for my injuries.

I feel blessed that I was able to be with Matt during his final hours. I take comfort in knowing that he believed in Jesus, as we spoke several times about the Lord and Matt’s faith. In the Bible, Matthew 5:9 reads, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Although Matt is gone, his soul is home.

Deputy Jim Smith
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

Matt,

I never met you, I did not know your wife, but from everything I have read we could have been family. We have the same loves, the same joys, we both have children who make our hearts proud. And we are the same age.

It seems God took another Blue Angel to heaven,
I know you have the best seat in the house, for the rest of our lives.

Gods Blessings in Abundance,
Kathy

Kathy Healy (APD Wife)

What is a Hero? According to Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary a Hero is defined as: a man admired for his achievement and noble qualities: one that shows great courage. Every Law Enforcement Officer displays acts of heroism daily simply by choosing Law Enforcement as their profession. Without hesitation they lay their lives on the line to protect our community. As a community we expect this from them often times not realizing the danger and consequences of their profession. Although many Law Enforcement Officers are deserving of a “Real Hero” award no one in this profession would disagree that Matthew Todd Herzog has given the ultimate sacrifice to our community while protecting us – His Life.

I am a supervisor for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Herzog worked for me often during his five-year career. Matt was an exemplary deputy. He was conscientious, hardworking, devoted to his job and community, and he not only set a high standard for his work performance but was also a roll model for others to follow. He was a deputy that was proactive and always looking for ways to prevent crime. If I had a difficult call, and Matt was responding, I knew I could count on him to handle it correctly. Matt was highly regarded deputy; therefore it was a logical decision for him to be selected as a field training officer for our department. The position of a field training officer requires the trainer to set an example daily, be a leader, display sound judgment, and provide knowledge and guidance to the training deputy. Matt worked hard at this position and was respected by subordinates, co-workers, and supervisors alike. He gave others the basis needed to become admirable deputies.

Even in his death Matt continues with his noble acts. He has saved the lives of others through the donation of his organs. Matt truly defines Webster’s definition of Heroic: supremely noble or self-sacrificing.

Matt I will greatly miss you as a co-worker and friend.

My love is with you in your new journey.

Tony Ferry

Lieutenant of Operations
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office

Marge and I have been both consoled and humbled by the outpouring of support and love that we have seen on this web page. Matt's many friends and colleagues who have left messages make it clear to us that Matt really made a difference in his short life. Thank you so much for your words of support. Our pride in our son is only exceeded by our wish that every law enforcement officer in this great nation remain safe, that he or she return to his or her family at the end of every shift, and that catching the "bad guy" might have to wait for another day sometimes.
Peace and Love,
Marge and Todd Herzog

Todd and Marge Herzog
Matthew's father and mother

I understand the pain and sorrow the Sheriff's Department is going through. Our Department lost a GREAT Officer near the first of August. I know words can't express the pain the family, co-workers and friends are going through at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. God Bless..

Sgt. Jeff Swenson
Lehi Police Department (Utah)

09/22/01
Rest in Peace Deputy Herzog.

Anonymous

I knew Matt for the past two years, as long as I've been in law enforcement. I can honestly say that I was relieved on more than one occasion to see Matt role up as my backup when I was in a jam. He taught me so much and gave me confidence in many situations. I feel I was never able to return the favors. To Matt's family, if there is ANYTHING my family and I can do for you......PLEASE let me know. Matt will be missed. May you find comfort in God.

Love, Bill

Police Officer, Bill Hatchett
Ferndale Police Department

Our agency and our Law Enforcement Family Support Group would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Whatcom Sheriff's Department and the family of Deputy Matt Herzog.

Kimberly Finley
Jesup Police Department; Jesup, Georgia

I knew Deputy Herzog for about three years and I never knew his first name. I called him Herzog and he called me John. That was his personality. He was friendly, kind, and a wonderful person. When he saw my patrol car drive by he called out on the radio, "Hey, we're having lunch over Here. Why don't you stop by?"
I'm glad I did because that was the last time that I saw him. We laughed and joked, not as cops, but as friends. Although he was younger than me by a couple years, I looked up to him and had a great deal of respect for him.
I am ashamed that I never took the time to find out his first name but I'll always remember him as Matt.

Officer John VanderYacht
Ferndale Police Department

My condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of this fine young man. Although I didn't know Deputy Herzog, he was a cop; as such, my brother. God bless, bro.

Michael Ferguson, Instructor
East Texas Regional Police Academy

September 21, 2001

i want to extend my condolences to the Herzog family and to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Department. I never had the opportunity in meeting Matthew but knowing his uncle and family, Matthew will be dearly missed.

Your Uncle Jeff and family were very proud of you.

Coroner
Lehigh County Coroner's Office

Fly high brother!

Officer Jason Woodruff
Gulf Shores, AL Police

We knew Matt in his teen years and he always brought a smile to our faces. He had a special talent that way. He was bright and funny and loved life. His parents should be proud of the boy that they raised and the man he became. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. No one could ever forget someone so very special. Thank you Matt for the short time that you were in our lives. You made it a much better place.

Joanne and Hillary Jenks
Friends and admirers

Although words cannot express the loss of a friend, family member, or loved one, our thoughts and memories can lift the spirit of those that remain. Matt had become a hero since we last shared good times growing up, but looking back on those fond memories, Matt had always been a hero, and will always be a hero. We remain fortunate to have known such a wonderful soul.

Ryan Swan

To the family,

I am deeply saddened by the loss of your loved-one. I hope you know that you're in my family's prayers and that our brother officer will not be forgotten. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.


Officer Brett Hogaboam
Tekoa Police Dept. -602-

Officer Brett Hogaboam
Tekoa Police Department

Matt,

I just came from your funeral. It was an awesome ceremony. I know that you saw the hundreds of police cars and the sea of even more uniforms from your seat in Heaven. It was awesome to see during the procession, every intersection had motorcylce cops and fire engines. The really humbling thing though was all the citizens that you gave your life for were lining the streets, holding their hands over their hearts in tribute to you. I will miss you, Tim

Tim Huff
US Customs, Blaine WA

WHEN ONE OF OUR FINEST GO DOWN FOR ANY REASON IT LEAVES A WHOLE IN SOCIETY THAT CAN'T BE REFILLED. HEAVEN WAS IN NEED OF AN ANGEL AND TRULY THEY HAVE RECIEVED ONE. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS GO TO THE FAMILY.

DEPUTY 1ST CLASS
FRANKLIN CO S. O. , WASHINGTON

We have known Matt and his family since he was a very young boy. It is with a profound sadness that we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family on this day.
Please know that our thoughts are with you all.

Pam, Dennis, Jalayne and Taiya Boni

Pam & Dennis Boni

Your time here was short but now you have all the time you could ever want and in such a wonderful place to be. watch over us and someday we will meet God bless you and all who knew you.

Police Officer Tim Pappas
Cincinnati Police/SWAT

When you meet someone new to the department, sometimes you get an immediate feeling. A feeling that this person has the drive and ability to succeed in this difficult profession. I had that feeling about Matt when I supervised the FTO Program. Matt was so conscientious about everything he did. He had a 'can do' attitude and esprit de corps that all of us in this profession should possess. I know that our county is a better place because of it.
I will miss his smile along with his incredible blushing powers.
My thoughts are also with his loved ones. My hope is that they find comfort in knowing what a truely fine person Matt was, to his coworkers, family, and community. I know that they were the driving force behind who he was.
We'll all miss him.

Sgt. Art Edge
WCSO

We remember Matt most for his charming smile, sincerity, and wit. Even in childhood he was always pleasurable, hard working and mature for his age. He was a wonderful young man whom we are proud to have known. He will be deeply missed and his loss leaves sadness in our hearts. We too have lost a "son" and friend. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Matt and his wonderful family. Paul and Tammy

Don't grieve for me, for now I am free,
I am following the path GOD laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh...to love... to work...to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah...these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with time of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My lifes been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undo grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
GOD wanted me now...He set me free.

Remember...to live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die

Anonymous

I have so many fond memories of Matt. From the days at Olympic to our time spent at WSU. I guess the thing that really struck me about Matt was his awesome energy and zest for life. He was always such a positive, upbeat, and loving friend. He truly will be missed.

Matt Grahn
Eastern Washington Basketball