Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I am still amazed that the man only got 7 years!! Had you not gone to the door the same thing would have happened only he would have done it from afar. The life of a policeman is double precious, they are our freedom!

IPD Civiolian
IMPD

September 13, 2011

Although we never met your name was brought up in the leadership academy this week. You are not forgotten, we plan on making a better memorial for you sir.

May God hold you in his arms and protect your family...

Patrolman
IMPD

September 2, 2011

Ofcr Faber,

Just stopping in to remember you and Thank You for your sacrifice.

Sgt
Lafayette PD

September 8, 2010

I find myself at times wondering what things may be like had you not been taken from us. You will never be forgotten.

Matt Meyer
Family

December 31, 2009

Ofcr Faber, We were remembering you last night and talked about that fateful day. You are not forgotten.

Patrol Officer
Lafayette PD

December 20, 2009

I can't say anything different or better than what is already printed. This incident happened 21 years ago
today, but it is still sad reading it for the first time
after all these years. Your memory still lives on and
because of this site, you will not be forgotten. God bless
all those who serve, but especially those who pay the
ultimate sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

Anonymous

August 23, 2009

Matt, it was almost exactly 20 years ago we were fighting for our lives it that stinking rat hole of a house. Doesn't seem like it could have been that long ago. I wish I could have done more to help you get out of that mess safely. Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about you and your family. Rest in peace brother.

Patrol Officer
Indianapolis Metro Police

August 14, 2008

Although I did not know Officer Faber, HE made the ultimate sacrifice for his community. I will keep his family in my prayers.

Mike Phelps
Former Military Police

September 18, 2007

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

July 31, 2007

Man's justice may be avoided but we all will face Our Lord and His justice will not be turned aside.May you rest in peace knowing this and may your loved ones receive His comfort and blessings.

April 27, 2007

I remember when Sanders did it. At least he will never teach again.. Catholic school teacher ha!

I was only in high school at the time, but I felt so sorry for you and your family. Rest in peace!

Scott
Indianapolis-citizen

March 31, 2007

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE AND GOD BLESS!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

February 22, 2007

It is hard to believe that you have been gone for so long now. I was young, but I remember that day like it was yesterday. Your family still misses you dearly.

Family
J. Faber

October 7, 2006

To the family and loved ones of Officer Matt John Faber and his fellow officers with the Indianapolis Police Department:

On this the eighteenth anniversary week of Matt's tragic death, I wanted to honor and remember him today. Matt's professionalism and dedication will never be forgotten, nor will his valor and courage.

I am appalled at the seven year sentence with only three being served that the despicable criminal who took Matt's life was given. No matter what the circumstances were that followed Matt's unprovoked murder, they should be separate and distinct from the criminal act that killed Matt. This was a travesty of justice, but whether one believes in a just God or karma or both, the scum who shot him will get justice one day from a source other than our legal systym.

In reading the loving reflections left by friends and co-workers, I see that Matt is so admired and so missed. I hope that God is holding Matt in the sweetest part of his heart and the most gentle part of his soul.

I am so sorry that Matt was robbed of his life so tragically, but through his heroism and the profound sense of duty with which he lived his life, he made an immeasurable difference. May his spirit continue to soar and may his memory continue to inspire.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Matt gave to his community and the citizens of Indiana, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on August 23, 1988.

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

August 24, 2006

Matt was a great guy. I went to school with Matt at Ben Davis High Scool. Always friendly and ready to lend a helping hand. Justice failed on the sentencing of the perp. We will meet again Matt. Steve

Steve Elkins
friend

May 17, 2006

Officer Matt Faber you are truly a HERO and the Justice System had failed to properly punish the suspect in your case.But rest assured JUSTICE will be served by the Almighty God and there is no double jeopardy rule in this matter!!! May your SOUL rest in peace!!!

Det.L. Gauthney
Columbus (OH) Police Dept.

May 13, 2006

I read with disbelief that the suspect who shot Officer Faber received only a 7 year prison sentence and served only three before he was released. I was interested to know why so I did some research...apparently immediately after Officer Faber was shot, officers returned fire striking suspect Sanders. It was alleged that after shooting the suspect, several officers seriously beat Sanders. This was what became the bone of contention and a deal was struck that if Sanders plead guilty he would only be charged with Manslaughter and receive a seven year sentence. Sanders did only three years, got out, and sued the city of Indianapolis in federal court. A jury awarded him $1.8 million dollars. Fortunately, the judge had the common sense to atleast reduce the award to only $78,000. Justice was not served for Officer Faber or his family. The outcome of this situation is a good lesson to remember in so many ways...

To Officer Faber, even though justice was not served, I want you to know that we still mourn your senseless death and know that the coward who shot you in the back will one day realize in the severest form, that what goes around, comes around.

Keep watch over us...

Anon
Police Officer, Washington State

April 2, 2006

John, not a day goes by that you are not thought of by me. It is amazing that it has been 17 yrs since your passing. My entire family misses you. I wish you were here to see how big Bobby's boys have gotten. All my love.

Sergeant Jan M. Faber
IPD

September 30, 2005

It was a blessing to have been able to work around Matt. A lot of years have passed since he too stepped over to the other side.

Yet, as blessings go, his memory lives on still within a lot of living people. We still miss you, Matt!

Annuit Coeptis

Lt. S. I. Drake
Indianapolis Police Department

August 23, 2005

I will never forget that terrible night you were shot. My son who was also an IPD officer who worked closely with you called me sobbing saying you had been wounded. We have never forgotten you. You will always be missed.

August 27, 2004

7 years......there is something really wrong with this picture. How does someone take the life of a public servant, rob his family of his existence and after 7 years he can be free???

July 16, 2004

THINKING OF YOU TODAY, AS I OFTEN DO. I'M STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHY A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS JUST TRYING TO HELP PEOPLE WAS TREATED THE WAY YOU WERE. I ADMIRE YOUR BRAVERY. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.

JONATHAN HENDERSON, PATROLMAN
INDIANAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

March 8, 2004

I was talking with one of my squadmates, a former IPD Officer, about you tonight, January 11, 2004. You haven't been forgotten by him or God. ~Romans 13:4

Darin L. Paul, Special Agent/Pilot
FBI Agents Association

January 12, 2004

As a young rookie police officer with the Indianapolis Police Department I remeber this tragic incident well. I have never forgotten Matt and his service and sacrifice to the community of Indianapolis. May he rest in peace.

Deputy Scott M. Sitton
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office (Tampa FL)

December 24, 2003

At the beginning of every shift I supervise, myself and the other officers on shift dedicate the day to the memory of a fallen officer. Tonight, august 23, 2003 we dedicated the shift to the memory of P.O. Matt Faber who died on this date 15 years ago.

When one law enforcement officer falls, we all stumble for a while, but we will carry on.

Officer Faber's sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Sgt. Paul Bissonnette
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - Surrey, BC

August 23, 2003