Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Richard has always had a very special place in our lives. he was the first serious love of our daghter Ann, 10 years ago. They dated for 2 years. When he first walked through the door to meet the family we knew "he was a real keeper".
But as young relationships go, they went their separate ways with college and all. He was so kindhearted and always so helpful. He planned their first prom together to be a memorble one with his dad Dennis dressed in suit to be the chauffer! The two spent many years together life guarding at the community pool. On our 25th anniversary we invited him along with our family to celebrate on St. John for a week. It turned out to be the best vacation ever for our son Mike (who thought he was THE greatest big brother) since he and Ann had a little "spat" that week, Rich spent most of the week with him! Rich's family is just as special as he was by treating our daughter as a mmember of their family. The feeling was mutual all around. Why God would take the "BEST of the BEST" is beyond anyone's comprehension. It sounds like Rich touched everyone he met, as he did our family. We were truly blessed to have known such a very special young man. You will always be special in our hearts. Love, Paul and Janet Fischer and family

paul and janet fischer
friends

February 20, 2009

Rich,

You were an officer whom had great potential at our agency. Your vigor and enthusiasm was contagious and inspiring. You were loved as a brother. We thank and honor you for your service to our community, and you will be sorely missed for many years to come. We have the watch sir, you are relieved. Rest in Peace.

Sgt. Thomas E. Tilmon
Wilmington Police Department

February 20, 2009

We worked opposite shifts so I did not see you often. When we did cross paths, you were always friendly and had a smile on your face! You will certainly be missed by all of your family here at the WPD!

Anonymous

February 20, 2009

Thank you for your sacrifice. He must be a very special person to serve others the way he did. This is a terrible tragedy and we are so sorry for the loss his family is experiencing and that a wonderful person has left our community. Peace be with you.

No rank
citizen

February 20, 2009

Officer Matthews,

Thank you for your service and bravery. You will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, brother.

Special Agent
DEA

Special Agent
DEA

February 20, 2009

I met Rich during the Police Unity Tour Extended Ride last year in Wilmington. Rich hopped on his bike on his day off and joined us for the day. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet him. I regret that we will be riding in his honor from now on, but I am proud to do so. My thoughts are with his family and the WPD.

SSA Ellen Pierson
US ICE

February 20, 2009

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Police Officer Richard Matthews as well as to the Wilmington Police Department. Rest in peace Officer Matthews, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch, CTO
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

February 20, 2009

Rest well brother we will miss you! To your family our prayers and support.

Officer Tom Allen
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Dept.

Officer Tom Allen
CMPD

February 20, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones you left behind. We greatly appreciate your service and are deeply saddened and yet humbled by the ultimate sacrifice you have given for your community. Rest in peace now, know that we have the watch.

PRD Lovejoy
Memphis Police Department, Memphis, TN

February 20, 2009

May you rest in peace, Officer Matthews.....

You served your city well...offering it your all! Now it is your time to walk that Golden Beat and your fellow Officers will continue on for you. Keep watch over them...as they have just acquired a Guardian Angel...

Michelle
Citizen

February 20, 2009

Godspeed Sir...Go in Peace

Ptn. R. Murphy

February 19, 2009

I pray God gives Officer Matthews' family strength to face the days and months ahead. I pray HE gives them a Peace that surpasses all understanding. I salute ALL the officers on All the police forces, I know I could not do the wonderful job they are doing and I thank them all!! Thank you Officer Matthews for your willingness to serve.

Anonymous

February 19, 2009

Dear God not another. Rest now brother you served your time in hell. To the family and Wilmington PD my deepest sorrow. I remember how Wilmington PD brothers treated me, so if there is anything I can do contact me. My wife and I will pray for you all.

Respectfully,
Cpl. Matthew Heckman Craven County Sheriff's Office
MPO 1 Laura Heckman New Bern Police Dept.

Cpl. Matthew Heckman
Craven County Sheriff's Office

February 19, 2009

HEARTFELT SYMPATHY IS BEING SENT TO THE MATTHEWS'FAMILY, AND FELLOW OFFICERS OF THE WPD. GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IN HIS CARE.

EVONNE E MCGILL/RETIRED
WPD

February 19, 2009

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COWORKERS OF OFFICER MATTHEWS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU. OFFICER MATTHEWS, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

February 19, 2009

RIP my brother.

Detective David Osorio
Homicide Division
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Charlotte, NC

Detective
Charlotte Mecklenburg PD (NC)

February 19, 2009

Rest In Peace, Officer Matthews.

Lt T Carr
NYPD

February 19, 2009

DEAR CHIEF RALPH EVANGELOUS AND THE POLICE OFFICERS OF THE WILMNGTON POLICE DEPT. I KNOW HOW IT'S TO LOSE A PARTNER AND A FELLOW POLICE OFFICER IN THE LINE OF DUTY. IT HURTS AND IT BECOMES VERY PERSONAL. HE WAS SO YOUNG AND HAD A GREAT LIFE AHEAD OF HIM. HE IS WITH GOD AND I'M SURE HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY HE REST IN PEACE AND MAY YOUR ENTIRE DEPARTMENT FIND PEACE WITHIN THEM TO CONTINUE TO DO A FINE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITTY DESPITE THIS LOSS. DET WES WESTFALL NYCPD RETIRED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHEN THE FUNERAL WILL BE HELD SO THAT I MAY PAY MY RESPECTS TO A FELLOW NYC POLICE OFFICER AND A FINE WILMINGTON POLICE OFFICER THANK YOU A FELLOW OFFICER

detectrive wes westfall
new york ciyt police dept intellegince div

February 19, 2009

May you look down and know how many people will miss you. May God be with your Family and Friends during this difficult time..

Anonymous

February 19, 2009

Our hearts and prayers go out to your family and friends in their time of sorrow. May God Bless and rest in peace!

CPL II David Murphy
TX DPS

February 19, 2009

Rich, we haven't spoke in a while, but when we hung out when I was younger, you were really a part of our family. Whether you knew it or not, I looked up to you, I still do. You taught me so many things. You will forever be missed and my thoughts and prayers are sincerely with you and your family through this difficult time. Myself, Ann, Heather and my parents will always love you and remember you for the great person you've always been. Take care buddy.

Mike Fischer
Friend

February 19, 2009

Rich, Thank You for your guidance and friendship, it has been an honor to serve with you.
You will always be with all those you have touched.
Please save me a seat at your table in heaven.

Larry, Officer
Wilmington PD

February 19, 2009

The Lord Bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face to shine upon you,
The Lord lift up his countenance, and give you peace,
Both now, and forevermore.
Amen

Detective D.H. Turner
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Dept.

February 19, 2009

I want to thank Officer Matthews for his service to the people of Wilmington. As a former WPD Officer, I feared the worst when I heard the call for help come across the radio that night. My heart goes out to his family & loved ones.

Sgt. J.W. Fish
NC Port Authority Police - Wilmington

February 19, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and co-workers of Officer Matthews. God Bless him for his service with Wilmington P.D. Rest in Peace sir, you will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

February 19, 2009