Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Happy Birthday My Precious Son of My Life.

Momma

May 11, 2012

Happy birthday!!! On our way to D.C with the Police Unity Tour.

Chief Deputy Tim Phillips
Roane County Sheriff's Office

May 11, 2012

Happy Birthday! Miss you!

Amanda (Redmon) Cofer

May 11, 2012

Matt, thinking of you and all the others, today. I'm sure you will be proud of Chief Phillips and Jason Mynatt as they once again ride in the Unity Tour this year as well as of Jimmy Davis, Jerramie Bowen and Chris Massengill (it will be their 1st time). Happy Birthday in a week.

Lt. Teresa Smith
Loudon County Sheriff Office, TN

May 4, 2012

I stopped by the shop today and saw your folks. Just the day before the wife and I were there and had a good visit with your dad. I hope we can help fill a small piece of the void they has been left without you here. I am looking forward to riding in the Police Unity Tour for the first time this year. Your mom gave me a picture of you to carry on the ride. When I get tired of pedaling I will think about how you would verbally motivate me if you were there! I know it would be colorful and "helpful". I hope the long hugs help...

Chris Massengill
R.C.S.O.

April 28, 2012

Just stopping by too let you and your Mom know that we have not forgotten and never will.... Thank you Linda for leaving the beautiful message on my son's site. I know like you, as a mother I check his site often, and I have to let you know that I still have Matt's picture sitting next to one of Clint's, so I think of Matt often also..
Matt, I hope you keep sending signs for your mother and family, and tell all the other guys to do the same, we all love getting them....

Connie Barker Mother of
Officer Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

April 26, 2012

Stopping in to leave a reflection for you and for your Mom as I know how she feels every day and the challenge she faces on a daily basis:

This short notation comes from Rose Kennedy, Bereaved Mother and Mother of our slain President:

"The sense of loss does not diminish with time. In truth, the expression 'time heals all wounds' is a myth. For parents, the loss of a child is permanent and mental scar tissue really does not grow over the grim memory. Rather, all tears are expended and a dull ache remains."

Watch over your loved ones, especially your Mom

Bob Gordon
Father of Fallen Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 25, 2012

Thank you for the beautiful words you shared with Bill "Bam Bam" Jones.

I pray for your family and all the families of the Hero's remembered here.

I said a prayer for you today, And know God must have heard. I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word. I didn't ask for wealth or fame, I knew you wouldn't mind. I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He'd be near you at the start of each new day, To grant you health and blessings and friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small, But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all (Scottish Prayer)...

And I pray the month of May brings warm, wonderul, joyous heart touching memories of brilliant shining moments spent with the ones we love and miss .. and forever treasured through the end of time or to eternity and beyond.

.
Thank you

April 25, 2012

Linda, thanks so much for once again remembering our family during Larry's eow anniversary week. Special thanks are also sent for helping sponser Jo Ann as she rides in the Police Unity Tour. I am so proud of her and regret that I cannot be in D.C. this year to honor all of our offficers.

I wanted to post this to thank you for all the support you have given me on this grief journey. It expresses my sentiments so well.

Stepping Stones:
"Come, take my hand, the road is long. We must travel by stepping stones. No, you're not alone. I'll go with you. I know the road well, I've been there. Don't fear the darkness. I'll be with you. We must take one step at a ...time. But remember we may have to stop awhile. It is a long way to the other side and there are many obstacles.
We have many stones to cross. Some are bigger than others . . . shock, denial, and anger to start. Then comes guilt, despair, and loneliness. It's a hard road to travel but it must be done. It's the only way to reach the other side.
Come, slip your hand in mine. What? Oh, yes, it's strong. I've held so many hands like yours. Yes, mine was one time small and weak like yours. Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand in order to take the first step. Oops! you've stumbled. Go ahead and cry. Don't be ashamed, I understand. Let's wait here awhile and get your breath. When you're stronger we'll go on, one step at a time. There's no need to hurry.
Say, it's nice to hear you laugh. Yes, I agree, the memories you shared are good. Look, we're halfway there now; I can see the other side. It looks so warm and sunny. Oh, have you noticed? We're nearing the last stone and you're standing alone. And look, your hands, you've let go of mine, and we've reached the other side.
But wait. Look back. Someone is standing there. They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones. I better go; they need my help. What? Are you sure? Why, yes, I'll wait. You know the way - you've been there. Yes - I agree - it's your turn, my friend - to help someone else cross the stepping stones" author unknown

Thinking of you and your beloved Matt today.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

April 23, 2012

You my son
Have shown me God
Your kiss upon my cheek
Has made me feel the gentle touch
Of Him who leads us on.

(Grace Coolidge, upon the death of her son)

Just to remember your sweet hugs and the sweetness of a kiss on my cheek from you brings happiness to my heart, and comfort that indeed you are with God.

I love you forever.

Momma

April 20, 2012

Saw your mom today, she is collecting signatures to keep the killer of Deputy Dennis Armes behind bars. I know she is always missing you.

a friend

April 12, 2012

Were up on your hill Sunday for Easter. The perfect place to think about the resurrection. Someday soon we will all be together again.

Your Friends

April 10, 2012

Happy Easter Precious Son.

Getting ready to head up to the cemetary with your Peeps! Thanks for the eye roll...haha. Just found your penny on the sidewalk, Michael B. had to lean over and pick it up for me.

We're going to Calhoun's tonight for Dad's birthday party, making him a picture birthday card, the last page is the last picture we all had made together, going to title it,"The Best Birthday Present a Man can have is his Family".

I love you love you.

Happy Happy Easter. I hope heaven smells like easter lilies.

Momma

Momma

April 7, 2012

You are always a part of everything we do.......of course. Ella found the penny you sent last night at Jessica's birthday dinner and then put it in her card to her. Thank you......for everything.

I love you.

Momma

March 31, 2012

Happy St. Patrick's Day My Beautiful Smiling Eyes!! Remember how wonderfully green it was in Ireland?....Just thinking how amazing the green must be in heaven.

Love you, Love you, Love you!

Momma

March 16, 2012

"In raising my children I have lost my mind but found my soul."

You all are all I ever wanted.

I laugh and I cry for it all.

Momma

March 8, 2012

Linda, thank you for your message. I often think of you and your family and how you are doing.
Time stop the day our son's died, but our love for them will go on forever.
I don't think this earth will stand much longer and what a joyful reunion that will be when we see them.
God bless!

Lorraine Bond

February 29, 2012

Matt just wanted to stop in and say that the shared memories that each person has shared on this page means alot about you. I have alot of them myself from our old days at H.P.D. But i mainly wanted to say i miss ya and everyday i go home i take the back road and i still see that you still looking over us all. R.I.P. ole buddy....Micheal Goins

PSO 2 Micheal GOINS
Knoxville Airport Police

February 21, 2012

Stopped in and saw your mom on valentine's day. She was surrounded by friends and family (and a ton flowers) but I know she was still thinking of you and missing you.

A friend always

February 17, 2012

He is a true hero. A direct descendant of Mennonite Wilhelm Rittenhausen.

Vasili
Other

February 15, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day My Beautiful Smiling Eyes.

Wish you were here at the shop to help make it better and worse all at the same time.....You know what I mean!! :)
Can't hardly stand to do the holidays without you. I just sat and looked at your beautiful face while I made hundreds of bows the last couple of weeks and imagined the conversations we would be having. I told daddy the other day I need you to tell me to settle down. You always thought it was so funny for some reason when I would be freaking out on a holiday.

You are forever a part of my heart and soul.....that is what keeps me going.

I love you,
Momma

Linda Rittenhouse
Mother of Fallen Officer Matthew Rittenhouse EOW 9/16/2004

February 14, 2012

Officer Rittenhouse reminds me of my own son who is also in Law Enforcement. I am retiring in 2 weeks after over 32 years in Law Enforcement. I am a former Marine with a two year tour in Vietnam. I have lost fellow Officers and Marines during my career. I have read many, many inpsirational reflections for our fallen Officers. However, none have touched me more than the reflections for Officer Rittenhouse. Maybe he reminds me of my son, who knows. I only know his mother, sister and family will always feel the pain of losing one so loved and dear to them. To the family of Matt, you are not alone, Matt is with you, I know he is. God bless you Officer Rittenhouse, even in your passing you have made an impact on those of us that only knew you from the reflections left by others. Matt continue to surround your dear mother, sis and your fellow officers and friends with your presence and love. It is everlasting. Rest in peace sir. Thank you. Semper Fi.

Special Agent T.D.Holcomb
Norfolk Southern Railroad Police

January 22, 2012

Just reading over your reflections, and know how much your family, friends and co-workers miss you. Thanks to your Mom for posting on Clint's page, and Linda I still have Matt's picture next to Clint's also, I too think of Matt often and know they are in Heaven watching over their families.
We will always remember your families scarifice, and remember Matt always, Matt you and Clint watch over all your L.E.O.'s down here...

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 12, 2012

Jess and I got all but the one backpack given out- I still have the last one...I don't think it matters much that Christmas has passed. There didn't need to be a holiday for you to do something thoughtful or charitable, so I am sure it is fine to get it delivered sometime this winter.

I wish this holiday had been less hectic- it was a stuggle to feel the 'spirit' of it with so much going on--I still have my live tree up because it is only now beginning to feel like Christmas to me...I love you and you are never far. Thank you for helping me re-focus.

Jenny

January 7, 2012

Matt you are not forgotten in this town. Hope you know what you mean to all of us still down here. Rest in Peace Brother.

Friend

January 6, 2012