Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

dearest linda and jesse

it was so wonderful to talk with you. thank you for sharing your son with us. as the anniversay approaches please know our prayers and with you and your family. the 1st is very hard. as we approach our 2nd anniversay we pray for the strenght god showed us at the 1st.
our love to you all.

kathe starks
mother of a precious son
officer daniel matthew starks
eow 10/25/03

September 12, 2005

Hi Matt... I can't begin to tell you how much I love you man. I remember all the times in school you about drove me crazy and then you would flash that smile and it didn't matter what you guys were doing. Thanks for being a wonderful person. I will never forget the trip we took to Europe. You mom gave me some copies of pictures she found of us and the other guys at the wall in Copenhagen. I hope they got the hotel room aired out where we smoked our Cuban cigars. LOL Whenever I am in town I always try and go by and see your mom and dad. Usually we end up sheading a few tears together. Your mom and dad are wonderful people. I am lucky to have them as my friends. I miss you buddy. One day we will see each other again and I will get one of your big bear hugs. I was so lucky to get to spend a day with you last summer at the park, helping decorate. Till we meet again. Your friend... Steve

Steve Todd
former teacher at Harriman High

September 11, 2005

To Linda and Jess and other loved ones of Matt Rittenhouse:

As Matt's anniversary date is approaching, please know that a blue candle will be lit here in California in his memory on this the anniversy week of his death. My prayers and thoughts are with you as I know this will be a hard week. May your loving memories of Matt help sustain you and comfort you and ease your broken hearts.
Thinking of you with love in my heart and sharing your unbearable grief,
Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

September 11, 2005

Just wanted to stop in and say that I was thinking about you today and that you were in my prayers. You are a true hero and will never be forgotten. Please keep watch over your family and try and ease their broken hearts. There are no words that I can say to them to help except that I know their pain. You will never be forgotten Jesse.

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

Robert Gordon

September 10, 2005

Hi Sweety, I talked to your mom and dad the other day what great poeple they are. Your mom gave me a picture of you it means the world to me I put it with Thomas' pictures. He still has the paintball gun you sold him. He doesn't play much anymore but he put it up safe because it was yours.
Friday is 1 year were did the time go, we still miss you and thinking of you still brings tears to my eyes.

Matt, you ARE a great person.

Lavada

September 10, 2005

MATT I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE OTHER NIGHT AND SEEN YOUR MEMORIAL CROSS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD ALOT OF THOUGHTS GO THROUGH MY MIND. ONE OF THEM WAS THAT WE BOTH HAD THE EXACT SAME BIRTH DATE. THIS YEAR WHEN IT WAS MY BIRTHDAY AND EVERYBODY WOULD TELL ME HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I WOULD ALSO TELL THEM THAT IT WAS YOURS AS WELL AND NOT TO FORGET. WE MISS YOU BROTHER.

MELTON
RCSO

September 9, 2005

One year is approaching and lately I can't get Matt off my mind. He really came to mind while I was on my way to work and heard a song on the radio. I thought that I'd share the lyrics here.

MercyMe - Homesick


You're in a better place, I'v heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you


I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now


Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home


I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now


In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again


And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now





We miss you so much here Matt. Until we see you again, you are always in our hearts.

Amanda Redmon

September 8, 2005

Linda,
It was so great to talk to you today on the phone, im glad we got a chance to get in contact! What a sweet lady you are! I am so sorry I never got to meet Matt - I am sure he was such a great son and police officer. I would love to tell you that everything will be alright, but it gets worse before it gets better. But things DO get better with time. Kathe and I are here if you ever need us! Look forward to hearing from you very soon. We are praying for you and your family everyday.

Matt - Thanks for the sacrifice you gave to keep others around you safe. I know you have met Daniel and I hope he is showing you around up there. You are an angel now keep close watch over your family and sisters.

Love,
Jessica Ruhl
Fiancee of Police Officer Dan Starks
EOW 10.25.03

Jessica

September 7, 2005

To Linda Rittenhouse-
We read your reflection left for us, thank you so much for your kind words. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family as the 16th approaches. We hold you close in our hearts.

The Family of Dave Grant EOW 5/31/04
Tuolumne Co.Sheriff's Dept.

September 7, 2005

Well, dear friend, nearing one year in heaven now. Wish you were here to go to Mickey D's and have a Double Quarter Pounder. Someone has to guard those streets of gold. Who better to do the job. So many things going on here, Matt, we need you to continue to watch over us. I miss you so much. Me and Jessica F. talk about you every time we see each other. I pray for your family at this time, know you are in our hearts always.

Bea Gibson

September 1, 2005

we miss you matt and look forward to the day we are reunited in heaven .

deputy sheriff
roane county sheriffs department

August 31, 2005

Matt,

We are getting so close to your anniversary and I feel so sad all over again. I'm happy that you don't have to deal with the burdens of this 'ol world, but I miss your daily humor and smiles. Your laugh was the best. I still hear it from time to time in the halls of the p.d.

I pray for much comfort for everyone right now, especially for your family. Each day brings a new trial and I pray for tremendous strength for all of them.

Today we are having a staff meeting. Wish you could endure this with us. Hopefully it won't be too bad. I do miss your hilarious outbursts that always seem to break the tension in those heated staff meetings. :)

We miss you Matt and think of you so very often. Please continue to watch over all of us. :)

Lova ya, "Fluff" :)

Executive Secretary
Harriman Police Department

August 31, 2005

matt,we are planning a candlelight vigil on september16th to honor you.i can`t remember one day at work since sep.16th2004 that i have not thought about you.every staff meeting it seems that has to be you.i just want you to know that you will always be part of or police family. miss you daily.

chief jack stockton
harriman police

August 30, 2005

DEAR LINDA AND JESS,
AS THE ANNIVERSARY OF MATT'S HOME GOING DRAWS NEARER, MY HEART GROWS HEAVY, I MISS HIM VERY MUCH. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND, OFFICER AND BROTHER OFFICER. I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK OF THE VERSE IN PHILLIPIANS 1:3 "I THANK MY GOD UPON EVERY REMEMBERANCE OF YOU" I CANNOT SAY " I KNOW HOW IT FEELS " BECAUSE I HAVE NOT WENT THROUGH THAT EXPERIENCE. BETH AND I DID LOOSE TWINS WHEN WE WERE FIRST MARRIED, AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING THEM WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN. I BET MATT AND THE TWINS ARE AT THE FEET OF JESUS SHOUTING HIS PRAISES RIGHT NOW. THE ONLY CONSOLATOIN THAT I CAN GIVE IS THAT ONE DAY, WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN, AND I WILL GET TO SEE MY TWO CHILDREN I NEVER KNEW. GOD IS OUR STREANGTH AND OUR REFUGE IN TIME OF TROUBLE, HE WILL SEE US THROUGH OUR TROUBLES, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS. THE BIBLE SAYS IN PSALMS 55:22 "CAST THY BURDEN UPON THE LORD, AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN THEE: HE SHALL NEVER SUFFER THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE MOVED" AND ALSO IN PSALMS 18:1,2 "I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH. 2. THE LORD IS MY ROCK, AND MY FORTRESS, AND MY DELIVERER; MY GOD, MY STRENGTH, IN WHOM I WILL TRUST; MY BUCKLER, AND THE HORN OF MY SALVATION, AND MY HIGH TOWER" GOD IS OUR STRENGTH IN TIME OF TROUBLE, JUST LEAN ON HIM AND HE WILL HELP YOU THROUGH. I LOVE YOU GUYS. SIGNED, LT GARY W. NELSON AND FAMILY, PHIL. 4:13

LT. GARY W. NELSON
KINGSTON P.D.

August 28, 2005

Matt,
I saw your Mom yesterday at the McDonald's in Kingston. She asked about my Mom and how she was doing. After talking with her for a couple minutes, she said "I have something for you." She dug in her pocketbook and pulled out a picture of you in your patrol car. I was so thankful and broken up. She patted me on the shoulder and walked to her table. I had tears in my eyes as I showed everybody at McD's the gift I had received. We miss you man! Watch over us all! Thanks to your Mom for the picture.

Chris Wilson

August 23, 2005

Hi Matt

We went into your parents flower shop today to get flowers for my father-in-law who passed away yesterday. I talked with them for a minute told them who i was and how i still thought of you. your mother was wearing your memorial pin. We ordered our flowers and she said i need you two to come with me(me and my wife). she handed me a small envelope when i opened it i found a picture of you. i cannot remember when i have ever been so touched by a act of kindness.That small jesture meant more to me than she will ever know. I went to find my wife, and she had given her a memorial picture about a dad that she proudly displays in our living room. Matt your parents showed me a kindness today that i will never forget, and i appricate that so very much.Please keep on watching after us We miss you, and still think of you often

Ptlm Troy Wright
Kingston PD

August 19, 2005

Matthew, Even though we never had the chance to spend alot of time together after you went to work for the police dept, I'm glad we talked one early morning, and I had the chance to tell you how proud of you that I was. I always admired and felt in my heart that for some special reason you would somehow Influence alot of folks throughout your lifetime and my friend you did more than you'll ever understand. Matt, I'll be forever grateful for the laughs and joy that you brought into my life and the visit shortly before you passed....May God enjoy the benefits of such a fine example of a man now, until we all join with you someday........Love and miss you Matthew.............to you (uncle Jimmie)

(Ex-Uncle) Jimmie Hardie

August 18, 2005

It has been a while since I have been to your page. I have had a lot going on in the past few months but you are still in my heart and I still think about you a lot. I know sometimes we take things for granted and some how never say the things we need to say the short time we are given here on earth. I have gotten better about saying whats in my heart but anyway Matt you and your family are in my heart. Your mom came to see me a while back and brought me a picture of you and I am very thankful that she did. Well I am gonna close now but watch over all of us.
Love
Blake

Blake Kirkland
Durty Burd Inc.

August 17, 2005

To the family and friends and fellow officers of Officer Matt Rittenhouse:
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy for the grievous loss you suffered when Matt lost his life on September 16, 2004. When I read posted reflections of a fallen officer, there are times when I feel as if I knew the person although I never met them. Reading reflections about Matt is like that. His joy of life, zany sense of humor, his dedication to his work, his go for it attitude, his love of family and the strong family foundation he enjoyed are evidenced in the memories of those who knew and loved him. I know that Matt will never be forgotten and will always be loved by all of you. Our family shares your same agony as we lost our beloved Larry Lasater of the Pittsburg Police Department when he was fatally shot while on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers on April 23rd of this year.
Our family grieves with you and for you as we are all on the same journey as police survivors. This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the service Matt gave to his Tennessee community and to the supreme sacrifice he and his family made.

Phyllis Loya,
mother of Larry Lasater, PPD eow 4/24/05

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer

August 16, 2005

Rest in peace Officer Rittenhouse. We will pray for you and your family.

SGT (RET)
NJDOC SOG K9 UNIT

August 13, 2005

Reflecting back when Matt was a child, I was quite a bit older, but remember how he was such a, "go-getter," as a youngster. His adventurous nature was so evident, and his smile was always noticed.

I can only imagine how your family must feel, and how they must miss yoru presence here on earth. The pain for your parents has to be unreal, but yet, they are terrific examples of what God's word guides us to be. I read your mothers Birthday message to you which brought me to tears. As a mother, like I say, I can only imagine, but cannot say I know how she must feel.

I will continue to pray for your family. Because we're in this unsure and sometimes seemingly cruel world we live in, we appreciate your continued watch over us.

I know you were a terrific young man whose adventurous style guided you to choose a career you obviously loved. If you could only read these messages, Matt, you would see the wonderful memories of you continue in so many hearts.

We will see you again someday.

Hugs,
The Hill Family

Family friend

August 12, 2005

Matt, I work security at Roane State in Oak Ridge now and I pass your cross everyday. I really miss you. You and your family are in my thoughts daily.
Thank you for watching over us.
love you & miss you

Lavada
Roane State Security

August 7, 2005

Hey Matt,
I saw your little niece and nephew the other day, they have smiles as big as yours :). You are loved and missed but never forgotten.

A Friend

August 6, 2005

I was a bike rider in memory of Matt with the 2005 Police Unity Tour. This was my first year on the tour and riders were given a chance to ride in honor of a fallen officer for that year. When I first signed up for this 300 mile long bike ride from New Jersey to Washington, I really did not know what to expect. But then a week before I left I was given a band with the name of Officer Matt Rittenhouse on it, from Harriman Tennessee. I now had a reason to make this trip and it became personal for me. 300 officers from all over the country met in Livinston New Jersey. We set out every day at 7:00 and rode for about 9 hours. Before we left, I contacted Matts department and made sure they knew that he was a part of our tour and on the minds of officers who never even met him. After meeting the members of his department and his family and reading all of your posts I know he was a great Son to his Mom and Dad, A good brother to his sisters, a loved uncle, a well respected officer and treasured by so many as a good friend. So Matt every day I think about you as I walk in my office and see your picture. My 10 year old son and my 8 year old daughter wear the same wrist band that I gave to your family. And as I leave again in May of 2006 I will remember you each and every day on my ride back to Washington.
So in closing I was so very honered to ride in memory of you Matthew. I consider myself lucky to meet your family and your fellow officers. Matt has now given memories to me that will last forever. God Bless all of you.

Chief Joseph F. Clark, Jr.
North Caldwell Police, New Jersey

July 18, 2005

Matt--The other day I was sitting around talking with my girlfriends about all the crazy things we have done in our lives and how insane we must have been in our college years to have done some of those things. And then I thought of my most vivid memory of young insanity... and there you where!! 18 years old...my first visit to Knoxville (4 1/2 hrs away) and everyone at home thinks I am spending the evening diligently studying in the library. Man, the things that could have happened!! And did! Thank you for showing me how to live life, how to enjoy the small suprises, and how to deal with the big events. Even when our phone calls ceased and e-mails were exchanged on occasion, you always made everything better. Your compassion and love helped shape a great part of the woman I have become.

Mrs. Linda and Jesse, thank you for raising one of the finest men I have ever met. Jenny and Jessica, thank you for being such amazing sisters. Matt loved his family more than anything in this world. We were all so blessed to have him in our lives. Not a day goes by when Matt is not in my thoughts and the Rittenhouse family in my prayers.

Amy

July 12, 2005