Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I decorated the exterior of my home this year for the upcoming holidays with blue lights. One of those lights is in your memory. It is my way of saying to you that you have not been forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice you gave for Law Enforcement and thank you for your dedicated service. You will never be forgotten.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer
Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

November 18, 2005

To Matt's Dear Brothers and Sisters in Blue, friends, and family,

I want to tell you how much it means to us to read your reflections left for Matt. Every time you leave a thought, tell a story, share a memory and a laugh.....every time you mention Matt's name....it lifts us up and carries us a little farther on this journey that is so hard without him.

We love you and we thank you. We know how dearly and deeply Matt loved his family and friends, and that he is watching over us all, even now.

Matt's Family

**************

We thought of you with love today,
But that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
And days before that too.

We think of you in silence
We often speak your name,
All we have are memories
And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake,
With which we'll never part.
God has you in His keeping,
We have you in our hearts.

We love you, Jesse Matthew Rittenhouse
Forever and Always.

November 9, 2005

May the Lord be with you all as you grieve the loss of your beloved Matt.

Mrs. Rittenhouse---It is wonderful to see that in your grief you have become an encouragement and inspiration to other mother's of fallen officers, and to loved ones of fallen officer's. Take joy in knowing that Matt would be proud to know that his mother is helping others cope with their grief. Thank you for all of your encouragement. Matt will forever be remembered....and may you continue to touch lives in his honor.

Take care,
Kelly
*Joshua Blyler EOW: 5.2.04*

Kelly Gillain

November 9, 2005

Matt my friend, we think about you everyday, no matter what. It doesn't matter if we are on duty or not, we still think of you. In alot of ways you are not here, but in so many more you are. We see the car decals, and your here. We see the blue wrists bands, and your here. We see the pins on our uniforms, and your here. We always think of you. We havn't forgotten your family, even though it is hard to console. I wish I could help fill the whole in your mother & father's heart, but who could replace you. You know its funny, since you left us your family has inherited alot of brothers, sons, and friends, because we have all tried to be there for them in any way we can, but still with all of us we can't replace one Matt Rittenhouse, and never will be able to. I remember you today, and always. I think of us as we first started out in Law Enforcement, how we didn't have a clue about the danger, and didn't care. How we didn't think about the politics or the promotions, we didn't care about all of that, there was the job, at that was all, that was enough, and still is! I try to keep that free spirit, I try to hold on to the free spirit that you always had, caring not about what people thought, acting crazy no matter where - NO MATTER WHERE :). Yes Matt, we remember you everyday, not only so we don't forget, but because you still make us smile with just the thought of you. Mr. & Mrs. Rittenhouse please know that we will always remember. We will never forget him, we will never forget you, we are always here.

November 8, 2005

And when we lay down our
nightsticks, and enroll us in
your heavenly force where we will
be as proud to guard the throne
of god as we have been the
city of men.

Jesse you've done your time, now you may RIP. See you heaven fellow brother. Protect me and your fellow brothers from up above.

NYPD (BRONX)

PO
NYPD (Bronx)

November 7, 2005

Perhaps I want to forget that you are gone. Perhaps I want to pretend that terrible call never came. Perhaps I want to remember your family as intact, no loss, no pain.

But you are gone from this earth and our grief remains. We move on, but we do not forget. The ache continues and our hearts are forever broken, nothing can replace you.

I remember you as the forever mischievious boy in my Sunday School class. Your sense of humour, your laugh and your kindness, done quietly, undiscovered until we lost you.

We anguish over how to comfort those closest to you. This world was a better place because you were in it, it is poorer now. We thank God for your memory and the deeds that made a difference, that still make a difference, that will continue to make a difference because they were done.
They can never be taken away or diminished because they were and are forever.

See you on the other side.

Cindy

November 5, 2005

Hey Precious Son,
Where does the time go son. It moves but it doesn't. I wrote you a long letter the other day but when I re-read it it was so sad that I just deleted it. So today I will try again.
Halloween was, well, I tried. For Ethan and Ella, I know you would have wanted me to. Ethan kept asking me what I was going to be so I really had no option. Daddy found me a cool witches hat and I wore a dress that had been Granny's and I pinned a little rubber lizard to it that Daddy gave me years ago ( I can't even remember the significance of that little treasure now:), because every witch needs a "newt". Anyway, they were impressed so it was worth it. Remember year before last when I wore Jessica's inflatable dragon outfit and you stopped by while on patrol. When you saw me you started calling some of the other guys to come by and see your crazy mom. There ended up being so many police cars at the house the trick or treaters were afraid to come up the driveway. That was so funny.
I think about you up in heaven and get such crazy ideas about what you are doing but I think oh well, who knows anyway. I picture you with some of the other precious sons up there and know that God is just loving it. I want to be there too. But I guess this is just your time. I loved the song that Daniel's sweet Jess wrote you the other day. I started crying and went and got Daddy and said I hope heaven is like that because you would so love it. I could absolutely see you running your hand through a lion's mane :).
Jessica is working her little butt off (literally) getting in shape for the Bike Tour next May and Jenny is such the mom:) We like to give her a hard time. Ethan was doing something a while back and of course I was laughing,and she said "mom, do you have to laugh at everything he does", and I said yes, I do. I could get so mad at you, but then you could always make me start laughing. Ella told us this great story the other day about how she and Ethan and Mom and Dad were going to go up to heaven in a hot air balloon and see you. It was very detailed down to the heart on the balloon.
I love you Baby Boy. You always let me call you that. You were and are so many things to so many people, but you are and always will be My Baby Boy. I love you Son of My Life. Forever and Always.

Momma.

November 3, 2005

Thank you so much for your bravery & heroism. Thank you for your courage. You gave the ultimate sacrifice so others could be safe. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for watching over your brethren & sisters of the shield, I know you will keep my loved ones safe from harm still from above.
~Kat (proud Officer's Wife)
PWO Sister
H.U.G.S. Sister
Loving Friend to Karen

Kat~PWO&HUGS Sister/Officer's Wife
PWO~HUGS~MCCF~Bridgeport Pd

October 30, 2005

To The Rittenhouse family -

We have been so blessed to have gotton to know you. I heard this song on the radio and thought of our angels immediately. Take good care.

Jessica Ruhl & The Family of Officer Dan Starks


Whe I Get Where I'm Going
(Brad Paisley)

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

[Chorus]
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

[Repeat chorus]

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going

October 27, 2005

Matt,
I was told that your Sister will be joining us next year on the unity tour.
I cannot think of a better way for a sister to let her brother know how much he is missed. I am sure you will be with us as we head out on our 300 mile journey in your memory.

After going over your reflections and
reading a beautiful card your Mother sent to me. I am sure you see how you were able to touch the lives of so many during your time here. God Bless.

Chief Joseph F. Clark, Jr.
North Caldwell Police Department

October 18, 2005

dear matt

i just wanted to thank you for your wonderful family. your mom is so sweet. i know you and daniel are up there in heaven just laughing at the two of us. and the jesses!!!
we all miss you very much, i know we never met but im sure we will.
thank you matt for everything

kathe starks
dans mom

October 18, 2005

I have been putting off leaving a reflection, I am not sure why I guess its because I dont want to say goodbye. I am sure anyone who reads these knows what kind of Officer Matt was, he made the job fun and was always finding a way to make the guys around him laugh, especially during staff meetings. I think about Matt almost everyday, I think about the things we got ourselves into, the funny moments, and the side of Matt not alot of people got to see. Matt has us covered from an elavated position. I miss you buddy.

Jason Mynatt
Harriman PD TN

October 18, 2005

Matt,
I have just been having crazy thoughts of the silly things you said or we done lately. I guess it's because I have hit a bump in life and usually if I would hit a bump you was always there to help me get over it and lately, I have felt your presence being with me in all that I do and say. I Miss you a lot and love you lots. In one of my little trips up to see you I noticed the squarials are back and the other day I had had a bad day and I was crying as I sat down by your stone and a acorn hit me straight in my head and I knew it was all you, just to try to make me laugh. I miss that so much but I know you are with me and you are so in a much better place. I can't wait to see you again.. Lots of love.

Chasity*

October 16, 2005

I asked GOD for all things, that I might enjoy life. Instead, HE gave me life, that I might enjoy all things.

I'm sure you did. Rest easy brother.

October 15, 2005

Matt just thinking about you buddy. Want your family to know we are always out there. 920 will never be forgotten.
Never.

Brother in Blue

October 14, 2005

Memory is a country
Where I can go to see your face
But where can I go
When I miss your embrace?

October 14, 2005

Dear Rittenhouse Family, for over 30 years our family has lived with the loss of a wonderful man. It has been difficult at times to say the least, but also many proud moments. He was taken suddenly with no time to say goodbye or speak of plans for the future. We do know this however, he is with us to this day and it gives us joy to recall all the wonderful memories that can never be taken away. Each time I see a new rookie class hit the streets I know that he and those who stand with him watch over these new officers and their loved ones. Know that he and all the other fallen officers share a common bond of courage and service to others. Few have the honor to know such heros and even fewer have courage to follow in their footsteps. Our hopes for you are that the healing comes with Gods grace and the honor of being part of a much larger family shines bright in your hearts forever.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

October 11, 2005

Matt,

Me and Mama Mayes leave for DC tomorrow. It's a mini vacation for us both. I'll be going by the wall to do a rubbing of your name. Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and miss you everyday.

Amanda Redmon

October 11, 2005

Matt,

Your Mom left a very thoughtful reflection at my son Michael's page. I wanted to assure her that I know the pain she is feeling in her heart. It doesn't matter if ones child was a police officer or not, when you lose a child it is the worst thing that can happen to a parent as a part of us was taken away. I know that some solace to her losing you is what I feel and that is that you loved doing what you were doing and it was a dream come true for you. Parents can not take away their childrens dreams and you and my son got to live your dream, even if it was for only a short time. I know every day is a challenge for your family and the grief will be there for as long as they walk this earth. Your parents, like me, would have taken your place in a heart beat so that you could go on living your dream. Matt, you will never be forgotten by the Blue Family. You will always be a hero. Please say hi to my son Mike, he will be the one who loves to tell stories and make you laugh as that is what type of person he was.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

Bob Gordon

October 11, 2005

"I have lost my wonderful friend."

Matt was more than a friend to me, He was my brother that I always wanted, a hero, who is well known. I grieve for his loss but know that he has left behind everlasting memories that I will cherish in my heart forever.

To see all the people of Harriman standing in the streets during your funeral--giving their respect and honor--helps us to know how much you are loved and how well you completed your mission.

Always in my thoughts,
You will always be remembered by your Bosnian Brother.

Almir Saletovic

October 6, 2005

Matt,
Your mom left a wonderful message on my son's page....with a mom like that, you had to be a very special person. The pain we share is like nothing else, and the only comfort is that we share it together....somehow that helps a little.

Mrs. Rittenhouse, thank you. I wish I had thought of being so kind as to leave reflections on anniversaries. You can't imagine how much that meant to us.

I wish you peace, and can tell you, even though the void of their loss only gets bigger, somehow, God gives us the strength to wake up each morning and the outward tears come less frequently. We are approaching out second year, and we are still standing. It will happen for you also. Every once in a while, though, a cold, sharp pain goes through my heart as I realize the awful truth.

If you go to DC next year, please be sure to look us up. You sound like someone I would love to meet and call my friend.

Thank you again for your kindness.

Mary Fisher

Mother
Deptuy Kevin M. Sherwood, EOW 10/09/03

October 5, 2005

Jess -

Thank you for leaving a reflection for my Daniel. It was so sweet of you and after a long, hard day it is nice to know that someone care's. Yes, the road has been a tough one to bear. Everyday is a challenge. But like you said - I draw strength from God and press on. After all, its all I can do and Daniel would expect nothing less.

I pray for your family often - your mom is so sweet. I am sorry you lost your brother I know it can be painful. Just know we are praying for you in Florida. I have heard great things about your brother and I am sure you are so proud of him!

Love,
Jessica Ruhl
Fiancee of Police Officer Dan Starks
EOW 10-25-03

October 4, 2005

matt,

ah suga, you know what i've gotten myself into?? i'm gonna be undertaking a real big bike ride...and you'd better be on my tail the whole time...what am i thinking??

i'm thinking i love you...and miss you so much right now.

your 'lil sis,
jess

October 3, 2005

Matt your cross is awesome. It still is hard to believe you are not here, I guess that's because you're presence is still felt so strongly. I hope it is always like that. You had the wildest, craziest, thought processes I've ever known. You have left us your spirit, we'll never forget you bro.

Fellow officer
roane county

October 3, 2005

To Matt, Linda, family and friends:

Matt I wanted you to know that I have visited your site quite often, I love reading your tributes, I hope you don't mind. Even though I didn't know you personally, by reading your tributes it makes me realize how much you loved life, and family, and being a police officer. I know that you and Clint have come to know each other quite well, I can only imagine the two of you in Heaven keeping everyone laughing. Just don't forget to keep sending those pennies our way, we love finding them and have quite the collection.

Linda, thank you for the wonderful words you left on Clint's site. You are so right in the fact that I know that Clint and Matt would have been friends and probally are now. And yes their is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Clint, Matt and all the other Officers, I have shed many a tear. We have a blue candle in our front window that burns every day and night for all of our boys that have given their life in the Line of Duty. They will never be forgotten. I wish I could have been there for Matt's candelight, I would love to be able to sit and just talk about our boys, someday soon maybe.
I can't imagine my life without Clint, but somehow I've managed to get up every morning and go to work and I've learned to survive. I guess that's why we call it C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) some days are harder than others, I know you know. I'm sorry for rambling, I hate that this has happen to you and I wish we could turn back the clocks. Just know that I'm here, I love to talk.

Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven where the love of our loved ones pours through and shines upon us to let us know they are happy: They will be with us forever.

I'm always looking up, because I know he is looking down.

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

October 3, 2005