Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the family, friends and co-workers my prayers are with you. There is nothing anyone can say at this time to help you, I wish there was. The only thing that help me was knowing that Clint loved being a police officer and would not have traded places with anyone.
Officer Rittenhouse your family will miss you everyday, but we will never forget you. Look Clint up for me tell him we miss him...

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

September 23, 2004

Matt, as you now know, Jesus Loves You, so do we!
John 3:16

Ret Officer RB WAde
Richmond, VA Police

September 22, 2004

Rest in peace sir.

Shannon
concerned citizen

September 22, 2004

Matthew Rittenhouse was my little brother. From the time he was small he searched for adventure- he wanted to be part of something exciting and something good. Becoming a police officer was an obvious choice. And he was good at it. Better than we ever knew, because he never bragged. He was outspoken about his adventures, but quiet about his good deeds. Most importantly, he had a good heart. A sweet spirit inside a big man. He made the world better- and we miss him.

Jenny Rittenhouse Guinn

September 22, 2004

My family would like to send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends, & fellow co-workers of P.O. Matt Rittenhouse.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over all the brave men and women in law
enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday as they serve & protect their communitites.
Your job is a difficult one and we truly appreciate all you do. God bless each & everyone of you.

Gail M Pabst
Aunt of fallen Detroit P.O. Jennifer Fettig eow 2-16-04

September 22, 2004

Thank you for your service. You are in my prayers.

Ofc. S.L. Coffman #15174
California Highway Patrol

September 22, 2004

I pray that your family and friends fine comfort in the heart felt reflections left on these pages by your extended Law Enforcement family. May your spirit have a joyous homecoming. Go rest high on the Mountain!

D/Sgt. Vencent Woods
State of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

September 21, 2004

I have known Matt since he was 5 years old. He always wanted a career in law enforcement. He looked forward going to work each day to the Harriman Police Department. Matt loved his work, his community, his friends/co-workers and his family. I am heart-broken because he was taken away so young. "Uncle Bill"

Bill Hyden
Metro Nashville Dept. of Finance

September 21, 2004

I lost my partner the day after christmas in 2003. I certainly know and understand how all feel in this tragedy. Support each other along with family and friends. May God Bless all and keep you safe.

Trp. G. Sanders
Oklahoma Highway Patrol

TRP GARY SANDERS
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL

September 21, 2004

Hi....we would just like to say we will miss you! you were a very generous friend. we had lots of fun at central even though we only knew you for 4 years.you always had a smile on your face every day that would bighten up anyones day.in a world of trouble. well,we know that you are gone but still in heaven smileing down on us. but,always remember you have a special place in all of our hearts.


Love, Andea Eldridge & Kristin McNew

Kristin McNew and Andrea Eldridge
HMS

September 21, 2004

Matt,
hey bud i know i only knew you for 4 years but you were such a great friend. When I heard the news that You had gotten killed my heart was filled with hurt and disbeleif. I mean i never pictured in my mind that i would be getting ready to go to your funeral. i cant beleive that you are gone i mean you were so nice to us kids and there wasn't anything you wouldnt do for us. I know you are watching over us and you are with us with everything we do. i hope you like the poster we made you, but i wish you weren't dead so we didnt have to make it. you dont know ho wbad we miss you. just your presents could make a person feel like million bucks because you made everyone feel sjo great by just saying hey. i want to give all my sympathy to the family of Jesse Mathew Rittenhouse and i hope you guys will be ok.

Love,
Kayla May Turner

p.s maybe one day i will pick up football matt. srry i never played it while u wee alive. luv ya

kayla may Tuner
Hms Student

September 21, 2004

May God bless your family, friends and co-workers during this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. God, welcome home another hero.

Jimmy E. Bartley
Beaumont, TX Police Dept.

September 21, 2004

~The Dash Between The Years~

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning ... to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the "dash" between those years. (1900-1970)

For that "dash" represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our "dash".

So think about this long and hard
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.


And be less quick to anger,
And show our appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your "dash"?

September 21, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family of Police Officer Matt Rittenhouse and the Harriman Police Department...our hearts and prayers are with you all...... Thank you for a job well done Matt... rest in peace as you continue your watch from the heavens......your memory will never be forgotten...

God Bless....Be Safe..... and wear your vests...

Vin, Pook and all of us at beyond-the-blue

Vinman and Pooky -Site Owners
beyond-the-blue

September 21, 2004

To the family,friends and co-workers,we are very sorry for your loss.Just know that your Law Enforcement family will always be here for you.It sounds like Officer Rittenhouse was an outstanding police officer and he died doing what he loved to do.We all mourn your loss.

Cpl.David Hazlett
Berry Hill P.D. Nashville,Tn.

September 21, 2004

Matt i only knew you for 4 years, but i soon learned there weren't many people that didn't like you. Matt was a cut up kind of guy, and could almost always make people laugh. Rest in peace 920. You are very sadly missed, and will never be forgotten

Ptlm Troy Wright
Kingston Police

September 20, 2004

Dear Matt,

Our son, Deputy Paul Hinkle, lost his partner last week. When we got the call about the accident, we were numb with grief. I came upon this website for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protect and serve their fellow man. Thank you for your service and dedication to duty. Rest in the knowledge your loved ones are not alone. We are but a phone call away. We love you dear one and our prayers are with your and your family.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Kern County Deputy Sheriff

September 20, 2004

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH OFFICER MATT RITTENHOUSE'S FAMILY, FRIEND'S AND DEPARTMENT AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
OFFICER RITTENHOUSE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR YEARS OF SERVICE. YOUR LAW-ENFORCEMENT FAMILY MOURNS YOUR DEATH BUT WE WILL CARRY ON WITH YOU IN OUR THOUGHTS. PLEASE WATCH OVER US AS WE CONTINUE TO SERVE OUR CITIES, COUNTIES AND STATES TO MAKE THIS A SAFER COUNTRY.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
VIRGINIA

September 20, 2004

God Speed my Brother, You've done your job well. Guard us from above, We have the streets from here.

Officer Petty
Killeen PD, TX

September 20, 2004

go rest in heaven brother, we have it now. god speed.

Trooper Shannon Brinkley
Tennessee Highway Patrol

September 20, 2004

To Matt's family death is never easy,whether your 25 or 95.Not many people can say their loved one died a hero.When you walk to that final roll call wearing your badge you were a hero.

p.o.3 Walter Keeler Jr.
Metro Nashville P.D

September 20, 2004

God Bless You, Matt Rittenhouse, for your service, and dedication to your community. I know you will be by the side of each rookie as they venture forth in this career with the same desire and good will you possessed.

God Bless your family with strength, patience, and inner peace. My prayers are with you, your family, your friends, and your co-workers, who feel so lost and will dearly miss you. Rest, and enjoy the comfort of God's arms, Matt. You've done well.

The following has been passed along worldwide, and I gladly share it with you:

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

-Author Unknown

Deputy Sheriff, Road Patrol
Broward County Sheriff's Office

September 20, 2004

On behalf of the men and women of Industry Sheriff's Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Matt Rittenhouse. Having recently lost Deputy Mike Arruda (EOW 06-15-04), we know all too well the pain and reality of losing one of our own. Take comfort from knowing your extended law enforcement family grieves with you.

Rest in peace, Officer Rittenhouse. We applaud you for your dedication to duty and salute you for your sacrifice.

Industry Sheriff's Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

September 20, 2004

Thank you for your service brother...you will not be forgotten.

Trooper
Florida Highway Patrol

September 20, 2004

God Bless our prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Officer J. Richardson
Lake Station PD

September 19, 2004