Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

You are never forgotten, Matt.

March 29, 2005

Matt, I think of you everyday. Your parents must be proud to have raised a son that was so young but had made such an impact on so many lives. We will be there in May to honor you, your family and all of our fallen brothers from last year. Please keep us safe out there.

Brother in Blue

March 24, 2005

Matt, the night I got the call and was told the news about you, I had to call another person just to make sure I heard correctly. All I could think about is how me and you started working in Law Enforcement together by working in the jail. I remember the first day I met you. You were sitting in the booking room on your first day and you had one of your hands covered in hand sanitizer. You took a lighter and light your hand and it just busted into flames. You automatically started giggling. You always done crazy stuff, but you were always doing them to make people laugh. We worked together for about a year or 2 then we both went to other departments to become Police Officers. After that we never did see each other as much, but when we did we would always talk about the things we used to get in trouble for when we did work together. Mine and Jennifers prayers go out to your family and our brothers in blue. I miss you brother, and I will never forget you.

Sgt. Melton
Rockwood Police Dept. TN

March 18, 2005

Matt.... Just wanted to say I still miss you alot and our talks. Thank you for being you, I love you.

Ex-Correction's Officer
Roane County Sheriff's Dept.

March 16, 2005

POLICEMAN'S 23RD PSALM

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,
His comforting hand reduces fear to naught;
He makes me walk through streets of crime,
But He gives me courage and peace of mind.

He leads me by still waters in the path I trod,
And He says in Romans I'm a "minister of God,"
He leads me in righteousness as He restores my soul,
For His name's sake He keeps me whole.

When I walk through death's valley, right up to the door,
I will fear no evil, for He comforts me more;
For Thou art with me every step of the way,
As thy rod and thy staff protect me each day.

He prepares a table, especially for me
As I work daily among life's enemies;
He gives me aughority to uphold the law,
And He anoints my position in the midst of it all.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me,
Each day of my life through eternity;
As I long to hear Him say, "Well done...,"
When I lay down my life, my badge, and my gun.


Matt, you were born to be a police officer; You are greatly missed by all of us.

March 13, 2005

I was thinking of Matt the other day and I remembered yet another funny story about him. For the past few years our city has hosted the Emory River half marathon. Being officers that were issued mountain bikes we were assigned to work this function. There were a few of us there that day working the race. Matt, J Mynatt, T Bryant, and myself were on bikes if I remember correctly. The race went smoothly the first few miles all of us riding pretty close together keeping up with the runners. When we got through the downtown area the race took about a 3 mile long gradual climb. Well I lost sight of Matt, who had disappeared from the pack. I turned around about a mile or so later to go back to see if I could find him. I rode for a while and didnt see him fixing his tire or anything. So I started back toward downtown to see if I could find him, I rode a little farther and I heard someone calling my name. I looked over to my right and there was Matt sitting at Sonic with his mouth full of burger. I asked him what he was doing, and he said "Do you honestly think Im gonna ride 13 miles on that bike?...Yeah Whatever." So Matt and I sat there until the runners returned and we rejoined the pack like we had been there the whole time.

Ptlm. J Joseph
HPD

February 24, 2005

Matt--- I still think of you everyday. I remember all the times we laughed together and all the times we cried. You were always so amazing. There are a million memories that run through my mind. I remember how much you loved your family- how you always talked about your mom, your dad, Jenny, and Jessica. I know they must miss you more than words could even begin to describe. They are always in my prayers, and I know that you are watching over them always.

February 23, 2005

I heard this song by rascal flatts the other day that reminded me of matt. I never remember matt spinning his wheels or standing still. he makes me want to face my fears, live on the edge and leave something behind.

When The Sand Runs Out

I spent the morning at an old friends grave

flowers and amazing grace

He was a good man

He spent his whole life

spinning his wheels

never knowing how the real things feel

He never took a chance or the time to dance

and i stood there thinking as

I said good bye

today's the first day of the rest of my life

I'm gonna stop looking back and start moving on

and learning how to face my fears

love with all of my heart

and make my mark

I wanna leave someting here

go out on a ledge without a net

thats what im gonna be about

yeah, I want to be running when the

sand runs out

cause people do it every day

promise themselves, their gonna change

I've been there

but I'm changing from the inside out

that was then and this is now

I'm a new man, a brand new man

and when they carve my stone

they'll write these words

HERE LIES A MAN WHO LIVED LIFE

FOR ALL THAT IT'S WORTH

and as the cold wind blows

across the graveyard

I thinkn I hear the voice of my friend whisper in my ear

I wanna be running when the sand runs out.


YOUR ALWAYS WITH US

Ptl. J. Brackett
Harriman Police Department

February 22, 2005

Matt, I have procrastinated long enough. I have not forgotten you, I just haven't been able to find all the right words. I think of you all the time though.

When it was Christmas time in 2004, I thought of you riding with the bike patrol in 2003 for parade security. It was freezing cold & raining and I was nervous, anxious, and stressed out trying to get everyone in there proper places for the parade. Then here you come, big burly Matt on a police bicycle with a name tag reading "J.Dangle" from Reno 911. I busted out laughing and was able to remain sane the rest of the hectic night because of you.

Shortly after the Christmas season, it was time to order the department calendars. Timmie handles that now, thank goodness. We struggled with our department picture so we decided to put nothing but you on the calendar for 2005. If you were here, I KNOW you would have autographed every calendar.

Today I received an email from the TBI asking for people to sign a petition for a postage stamp honoring fallen heroes and their families. I thought that was such a great idea. So I emailed everyone in my email address book and faxed everyone in my rolodex. Hoping to get the word out so everyone will sign that petition. Then we'll have stamps that everyone can lick in memory of you. I can only imagine how much you would have enjoyed that. :)

Monday is Valentines Day, Chief, Timmie, Kris, Jason, Eric Majors, Toby and myself are gonna take off work to help your family deliver flowers all day. I look forward to being with them. Maybe then it would feel like you were still here.

You are missed so much by so many people. Everywhere I go, someone is approaching me asking about your family and expressing how much they miss you. You have brought happiness to all of your family, smiles to the faces of everyone you've crossed paths with, and you have enlightened the lives of everyone here at the police department.

I don't like to think about the night you died. That was a very difficult and emotional night. I will never forget it. It hurts too bad to think about that night, instead I just try to simmer on all the crazy times we've had together. Thinking about you makes me smile so i'll just leave it at that. I bet your making all the angels smile now.

Oh yea, I just thought of another great memory. Toby and I were in my beetle headed to Knoxville, when a dark blue Explorer pulls up right beside us. The Explorer seemed to be traveling awfully close to us so I looked over to my thinking "what's this dudes problem". Not expecting to see your butt pressed up to the passenger window. Every time I pass the Watt Road exit in Knoxville now, I have been blessed with the memory of your white butt right in my face. One memory I wish I could forget! :)

Then there's the "tea pot" traffic stop with the juveniles. I hated it that you got in trouble for that, but it still was so funny. How the Chief could punish you with a straight face, I'll never know??

I also remember that one special DUI arrest. You and Benny were the responding Officers. You had the man standing up against his truck while you were talking to him and attempting field sobriety tests. When all of the sudden, he falls over and knocks off his passenger side mirror. He was obviously took drunk to stand so you put his tailgate down and had him sit there. You were talking to Central and Benny was searching the vehicle. Next thing you know, he falls straight back into the truck bed and was out like a light. That was one of the funniest traffic stops I've ever seen. :)

You've been like a brother to me and I miss you so much. We have many pictures that we look at over and over again. You still make us laugh today. I promise that we will try to care for your family to the best of our abilities. Please watch over all of the Officers across the world. As you know they have a job that not everyone was born to do. I believe the Lord picks certain special people to be in Law Enforcement. I'm glad he picked you, but I wish you didn't have to go home so soon.

I love you, Jess "Fluffy" :)

Jessica Fink, Police Secretary
Harriman Police Department

February 10, 2005

The storm was bad that night I know cause my nightly routine is to go to Knoxville and workout, but that night 9-16-04 something told me not to get out in that rain. Then I was woke up by the news on the TV I heard your name Matt I listened more that's when I discovered you were gone. That news hit my heart hard. I remember back to the day I met you at Roane State in History Class. We clicked right off. I remember back to how we passed History class too that idea I came up with was a good one. I also look back on when you asked me to help you train for the Toughman Contest at RSCC. Then after Roane state we kinda went our on ways I was building houses and you was working at the County. I never got to build you that house bro, but Matt I think about you a lot. I remember back to the prank call you made to me and how mad I was at the time I could not figure out who it was then when I found out it was you it was funny. This is a small world man I met the other party with you that day too she is a cool person. I miss you pulling up beside me late at night and flashing them lights. I remember the last time we spoke at the car wash in Harriman late one night in Aug I think it was. I wish some how your plans you told me about had happened sooner and you had went on back to school. Matt I wish also I had made you that walking tall stick you wanted, but I am sure a lot of of just wish we could have you back here with us. But thats not possible, I sometime hope I will get the chance to talk to you again. Matt thanks for the time I had with you, you were a great asset to the city of Harriman... peace and love ..represent Durty Burd Inc. up there Bro Man. see you soon.
love Blake

Blake Kirkland
Durty Burd Inc.

February 3, 2005

There's a HUGE rock (or small boulder) that's now in Matt's memorial garden at HPD. 913 hauled it over on a trailer and it took a backhoe to set it in place in the garden. When the rock was being placed in the garden, the irony and humor hit me...This rock is like Matt--big, rough around the edges but absolutely beautiful, sturdy, and solid.

:)

February 2, 2005

Tonight is my last night dispatching at Roane Co 911. I've been thinking about the 2 years I have been there and all the memories that have been made. I guess one of my first memories would have to be the night I started dispatching for HPD on third shift. Although I didn't know it then, Matt had already called the other dispatcher and told her that he was going to see if I was going to make it or not. He ran tag after tag to see how well I could do it and how fast I could give them back. Hope told me later that Matt called her back and told her, "I think she'll be alright." I guess it was after that we became friends. I always had such a good time at work when Matt was working. One of his favorite things to do to me is catch me when I left my Nextel on speaker phone and scream while I was keyed up on the radio. He never failed to make it an interesting shift. I miss Matt every day, but I try to think about the silly things he use to do and say and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. So many memories that I now treasure every day. Until the day that we see him again, I know that he'll be watching over us and keeping us safe.

Amanda Redmon
Roane Co 911

January 20, 2005

Today I was cleaning a bedroom and happened upon our paintball guns and ammo. I immediately thought of Matt and his paintball playing. I told his dad recently how I always called him the "cheater." Matt could get shot 20 times and come out of the woods grinning and acting like he didn't have a mark on him. His back would be a multi-colored mess. He always acted like the marks had already been there since the last time we played. There would be a lot of yelling and fussing about it for a minute and back to the woods we would all go. It was so much fun. Matt was so big he was an easy target for everyone. We all miss our paintball games on the bluff with Matt. Matt, please help keep our guys safe out there.

Karen Joseph-wife and mother of HPD Offi
Harriman Police Dept.

January 15, 2005

I have been trying for sometime, to find the words to express how much Matt's presence and personality affected me and our department. I remember all of the fun and excitment that he was always seemed to be right in the middle of, but in the end I always find myself missing him, more ever day.
God Bless the few people in this world that have the ability to affect other peoples lives the way that Matt has, because there are so very few.
I love and miss you brother.

Ptl. Joey Brackett
Harriman Police Department

January 14, 2005

I was scrolling through the names in my Nextel, the other day and made it down to Matts name. I instantly was reminded of what used to be an almost everyday occurence.
Matt at one point was a School Resource officer so he knew pretty much when the bells at the school rang and when the halls were full of kids.
I am currently assigned to one of the schools in the city, and I always had my Nextel on speaker phone.
Matt being himself, almost everyday would wait until one of the breaks between class and use the Nextel two way and say something that would completely embarass me or something so completely off the wall that kids would stop and look at me funny.
The next thing I would hear was a goofy laugh coming from my phone.

919
HPD

January 13, 2005

It seems like only yesterday that we stood in my kitchen on my wedding night talking about married life, police work, family and things we have done since getting into law enforcement. It don't seem fair that you had to go. You have left with a lot of good memories. I will never forget the the way you would always joke and cut up, mocking the way I walked, the things I said and things you called me. It seemed like every time I turned around you were there either working overtime on patrol or helping Kris with narcotics. It's impossible to replace you because the mold was broken when you came along. Everyday I think about some of the crazy stuff we did. Most of all I will never forget the night of September 16, 2004 @ approximately 2300 hrs the phone rang while sitting downstairs opening presents with my wife. I knew something was wrong because I never got calls that late unless something was going on at the police department. Sergeant Whitson called and said Matt was in an accident. I immediately grabbed my keys and told my wife that I had to go because Matt was in an accident I could tell by Jarod's voice it was serious. While driving from my house to the scene hundreds of things went through my mind, being an Asst. Chief you always worry about the people you work with. I arrived at the scene within minutes of the accident. I ran down to Matt's car where Officer Graham and Sergeant Whitson were standing and crawled up next to the window, never have I felt so helpless in all my life. I knew then the Lord had already been here and took Matt to a better place. It sometimes make you wonder why it had to be Matt. It's really hard to put into words what it's like seeing someone you work with lose their life at a very young age. I still everyday think about the Rittenhouse family and can't begin to imagine the pain they still continue to go through. I know that Matt loved his family very much. Matt would tell me about going by his mom and dads house to eat and visit since he had his own apartment. Matt would also talk about his two sisters, telling people they were already taken and to stay away. Matt, I will never forget you and I will always cherish the times that we had. I will always be there for your family and keep them in my prayers so you don't have to worry, we'll take care of them. I'll see you when the Lord comes calling. In the mean time keep it safe up there.

Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peace makers

Assistant Chief Tim Phillips
Harriman Police Department

January 13, 2005

Sometimes it's easier to write the words that I can't seem to speak without having my voice waver. Matt's mom once said she didn't want anyone to forget Matt. Forgetting Matt is impossible. I went to Matt's accident scene to reflect and the Contemporary Christian song "Dancing with the Angels" came on, just as I had put my vehicle in park. So, of course, I cranked up the radio and instead of singing along like I usually do, I just listened. It was like this song was written just for Matt. There's a few lines in the song that really hit home, that says "you have love for family, love for all people, love for the father and son," and, "your heart will be heard through your unspoken word, through generations to come." So whenever I hear this song, I think about Matt and say a prayer for his family; and everyday when I think about Matt, I think about how his "heart is heard through his unspoken word" and know he'll never be forgotten.

January 12, 2005

Matt, you were one of the craziest guys at the academy. You made me laugh and you always brought a smile to my face. I was surprised to run into you at the bookstore in Oak Ridge that next year when I was just out on a road trip. That made my day. It was so good to see you. It's not fair, is it? How someone like you is taken away while bad people seem to multiply. I know that God had a reason for you leaving and it's selfish to think like that but I will miss you. In all my pictures from the academy, you're in at least half, if not more. I know that we'll see each other again. Until then, rest well. Your family and friends are in my prayers.

Patrol Officer Annette Dungey
Jackson Police Department

January 2, 2005

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees
Around the world below
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear,
For I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.

For I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me.
I see the pain inside your heart.
For this is the first Christmas
We'll be spending apart.

I can't tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas
With our Savior face to face?

I'll ask him to light your spirit
As I tell him of your love. So then pray for on another
As you lift your eyes above.

So please let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm spending Christmas in heaven
And I'm walking with this King.

Author Unknown

December 25, 2004

it's christmas eve, and nothing really seems right here. my aunt just brought in a picture of my brother, and i realized again just how much i miss him and hate this world that doesn't have him in it. matt and i would always be the first ones up christmas morning. since he was working at the police station, he would come over after he got off of work...we would still get up just like when we were little and go to check out the presents and he would always tell me what i was getting...even though i never wanted to know. we would talk for a while and wait for everyone else to get up. then we'd all start the day.
but it's hard to even start the day anymore...regardless of if it's just a monday or if it's christmas day. matt and i would talk everyday on that stupid two-way nextel phone. whenever it beeped odds were that it was matt. i miss his voice. his caring. his protection. he always protected us. his girls, my mom, sister and me. never let anyone hurt us and made sure that we always had everything that we needed. i miss him. he was one of a kind and no one will ever really know how special he is...

jessica rittenhouse, matt's little siste

December 24, 2004

TOGETHERNESS
I HAVE ONLY SLIPPED AWAY INTO THE NEXT ROOM
WHATEVER WE WERE TO EACH OTHER, WE STILL ARE.
CALL ME BY MY OLD FAMILIAR NAME.
SPEAK TO ME IN THE SAME EASY WAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE.
LAUGH AS WE ALWAYS LAUGHED AT THE LITTLE JOKES WE ENJOYED TOGETHER.
PLAY, SMILE, THINK OF ME, PRAY FOR ME.
LIFE MEANS ALL THAT IT EVER MEANT.
IT IS THE SAME AS IT ALWAYS WAS.
THERE IS ABSOLUTE, INBROKEN, CONTINUITY.
WHY SHOULD I BE OUT OF YOUR MIND BECAUSE I AM OUT OF YOUR SIGHT?
I AM BUT WAITING FOR YOU, FOR AN INTERVAL, SOMEWHERE VERY NEAR, JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
ALL IS WELL.
NOTHING IS PAST.
NOTHING HAS BEEN LOST.
ONE BRIEF MOMENT AND ALL WILL BE AS IT WAS BEFORE----ONLY BETTER.
INFINITELY HAPPIER.
TOGETHER, FOREVER.
AUTHOR UNKNOWN.

ONE TOUCHED BY YOUR LIFE

December 24, 2004

Matt went to the academy with my wife (then girlfriend). He was a great light and a constant joy during hard times. All his classmates looked to him for a smile when things seemed at their worst. God bless you Matt and may we see you again in Heaven.
Jim

James A Kubic
TLETA

December 17, 2004

Matt,
It took me almost three months to write because I have so much to say, but don’t know where to start… We made so many memories. I didn’t realize the impact you had on me until it was too late. I had so much to tell you starting from how was my day and to tell you what was going on around town and asking you who had you taken to jail today. You will always be my superman during the day and my batman at night. I will never forget you… I thank God everyday for putting you in my life and letting me spend the time and make memories with you… If I never told you, thank you for everything, and I mean everything. You were so special to me and everyone else you had an impact on… I know God has a better plan for you, I think he just needed someone to take care of the people up there with him, he needed a super hero, and you were definitely a super hero..

I love you,
Chasity*

Chasity Johnson

December 14, 2004

Matt, almost 3 months have gone by since you were taken away from us all, it seems like just yesterday that I left the apartment to head to work and said goodbye to you for the last time. When I got the call that you were pinned in your car I thought, what I'm sure everyone else thought, it's Matt their gonna get him out then you'd be home. I even drove to the crash site and just had a calm feeling like you were ok because you're Matt, Superman, nothing could happen to you, but then I got the call that you were gone. But, I have no doubts that you are in Heaven doing God's work, I miss you and I love you, you're still my boy.

I love you,
Kasey

Kasey Mynatt
KPD

December 14, 2004

Matt was a good police officer, a good person and a good friend...He never failed to put a smile on your face..One night my partner and I had got off from work and wanted an ice cream...We pulled into the drive thru at McDonalds..Matt was in front of us placing his order..We start blowing the horn and yelling at him to hurry up..We ordered our food and continued to aggravate Matt..He was spot lighting us and yelling back at us...He got his food and pulled up and stopped..holding a McDonalds bag out the window of his patrol car..When we pulled up to the window...The cashier said "Matt has your food" I asked the cashier why he put our ice cream cones in a bag? The cashier got all tore up...He started yelling at Matt not to leave..Then he went running outside to stop him..See Matt had asked to the cashier to give him our food...He was going to get us...But the cashier had accidentally gave him the peoples food behind us..We got our ice cream and laughed all the way home....

Matthew you are deeply missed! Please watch over and guide us all! God Bless You!

Annette Stubbs
Roane Co. 911

December 14, 2004