Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Kissimmee Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Friday, August 18, 2017

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Police Officer Matthew Scott Baxter

Lord keep this young man in your arms , give him wings and provide him eternal life. I just watched his wife and children on TV , what a beautiful family. God bless their souls. I wish I knew a way to help this family in some way.

Bobby Mayo

March 12, 2020

Matthew's family is a testament to him too.

Colm O'Higgins

February 3, 2020

May both of these officers Rest In Peace and may their families/friends be comforted by the Holy Spirit of our Father in Heaven.

J. Jaramillo #1453 (Ret.)
Santa Ana Police Department (Southern Cal.)

December 6, 2019

This is happening all to often . Lawlessness is not acceptable. As a retired Officer my heart goes out to his family and his widow. Our district attorneys and judges are way too lenient, letting serous criminals off with minimal jail time. This practice is appalling leaving our communities and first responders at risk.

Officer David Trujillo
Palo Alto Police Dept . Retired

September 30, 2019

I'm elated to learn that the sick individual who caused so much harm was convicted a short time ago. I've been watching on a monthly basis the development of this case on social media for the past two years. I recently watch an interview given by your wife who has continued to stand strong with your entire family. Officer Baxter YOU Sir will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired
New York State Police

September 18, 2019

Rest in peace Officer Baxter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 18, 2019

On behalf of my family, I extend our sincerest condolences on the grievous loss you suffered when Matthew was killed.

To the Baxter family, fellow officers, and all who call Matthew beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support, and I know you will receive the same support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace. I hope that your family knows that a nation mourned for you.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Officer Baxter gave to his community and the citizens of Florida and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 18, 2017

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg Officer Larry Lasater, eow 4/24/05

August 25, 2018

I hope everyone will find comfort in Acts 24:15 - "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Until we see our loved ones again on an earthly Paradise, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

August 24, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother in Blue. Thank you and your family for your sacrifice and service.

Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 19, 2018

Matthew Scott my only son I love you tremendously you will always be my Bunkie your nickname from birth I love you I miss you I cry everyday I read your text messages I read the last message that you sent me on August 18th at 8:23 p.m. it's hard for me son knowing that I can't talk to you text you sing with you hug and kiss you but you have tons of angels now that will do all that my heart hurts it'll be a year in a few weeks but it was just like yesterday you will never be forgotten but truly loved I will see you one day with your big pretty smile and your famous words mom I got this. And yes you do I love you

Mom
Mom

July 22, 2018

Your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Rest in Peace my Brother. Heroes live forever!!

Angel Perez
Brother-in-law

May 20, 2018

I have the honor of taking care of two of your babies during police week. They’re in loving hands! The bluw line family will always have their backs. Rest in Peace, Brother.

COPS Daycare Volunteer

May 14, 2018

Riding bicycles 270+ miles in your honor April 9th-13th, 2018. Rest in Peace. You will never be forgotten!

FLTDF Volunteer Staff
Florida Tour De Force

March 27, 2018

Love you My hero

Love you your Mom

March 9, 2018

Love you My hero My son I'll see you again we love you

Donna Brown's Stjohn

March 2, 2018

So sorry to hear of the loss of this fine officer. May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

November 26, 2017

MY BLOOD, MY BROTHER, MY TWIN, MY WORLD.

You are the reason I am the strong young woman I have grown into. Your lessons and teaching through out our life together I will never forget. Growing up I was on your heels, wanting to do everything you did, you were my protector, my best friend, my enemy when you wouldnt let me play basketball with you and your friends, But I never held that against you. You taught me the way around a car engine, and never let me go with out. Nights i would cry out of confusion and hurt, you always told me to look to God for guidence, i didnt know he was right inside of you the whole time. You are the true essence of a Man of God. You encouraged me to be great, to be strong and to always press on. God will hold you close to him as he always has, and I will see you again. Thank you for always being my guardian angel on earth and in heaven now. You will always be in my heart. Thank you for your service to the public, i will do my best to honor you. I love you and miss you more than i can put into words. My bestfriend. Your little sister.....

Elizabeth Ann Salyers
Younger sister

November 20, 2017

Matthew aka Bunky your nick name from birth I love you my son my love for you will never die ,I know you r resting and God has you that is my comfort and I know i will see you again with open arms to hold you and kiss you like you always told me "MOM I GOT THIS " and God has you THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND BEING MY SON I'M PROUD ...

Mother

November 17, 2017

I met this handsome young mans' beautiful Mom yesterday at Exxon, and found out about this 'mighty man of valor' as quoted from the Bible. I'm so sorry for the family's loss and will pray for you.

Velinda Scott (no rank)
fast friend

September 20, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Thomas H. Kelly Jr., ASAC
Federal Air Marshal Service

September 12, 2017

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one who’s blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 8, 2017

A real "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

September 7, 2017

May God watch over the Family and Fellow Officers that put their lives on the line for us everyday. We all lose when one of these heroes fall. And this one was a terrible loss. A man who without care for his own safety did such a noble thing. I hope his family will find some type of peace during this time of mourning. God will not let them down. Keep Faith and know he is in a better place.

B.J.Umbenhower
D.A.V. CHAPTER 11 Springfield, Missouri Color Guard.
Son of Chief of Police.Deceased
Their watch is over, now they patrol in Heaven.

September 6, 2017

There is a place for cop killers "Vengeance is mine " says the Lord. "I will repay. He is the only one that can measure out appropriate justice and the only one who can handle vengeance. I pray that the Lord will provide strength and and comfort to the family and friends of slain peace officers all over.

Retired Correctional Officer Ted Carr
TDC, TDCJID, CDOC

September 2, 2017

Matt, sorry I couldn't be there for you and your sister, mother, and father.

Hanover, MD Nikki McDade

August 30, 2017

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.