LPD 317 End of Watch

I developed this video to assure that we do not forget Patrolman Chris Matlosz. For those that did not know him, what you should know is that he was described as a kind soul, with a great heart and awesome smile. He dreamed of being a Police Officer since he was a small child. Often he would come home from school and put on a Jr. Policeman outfit and "go on patrol." Being a cop you could say was in his DNA. The fateful day of his shooting, he was simply doing his job. While on routine patrol he stopped to talk to an individual. Witnesses state that Chris did not provoke, detain or in anyway give cause for what happened next. What happened was Chris's killer, pulled up his shirt, pulled out a gun and shot him three times in the head and neck. Chris was still seated in his patrol car - he had no time to react - his training took over - he hung on. In the video you see photos of the crime scene and the convergence of local law enforcement as the video starts. To me one of the most sad photos is that of the patrol cars under the "Emergency" sign. Those cars are part of the escort that rushed Chris to the hospital and waited with him. As we know, Chris did not make it. But as you see those patrol cars outside the Trauma Center take a moment to reflect on the pain, suffering and struggle to hang on that Chris faced. The anguish of his fiance and fellow officers. Back in Lakewood a manhunt ensued and as the video shows, daylight arrived and with it the arrival of NJSP, ATF, FBI, US Marshalls and many others. The manhunt grew throughout the state. Hundreds of warrants were executed to begin the arduous process of finding leads. Chris's killer was arrested in Camden NJ within 24 hours of his death. The killer is not in the video as he will get no glory from me. As the video progresses we see Chris's fellow officers trying to restrain their emotions, we see pictures of Chris in his uniform at Englishtown ( where he worked prior to Lakewood PD) and his fiance, his friends, his beloved pets - he was a real human, who laughed, cried and lived. We sometimes forget that about Police Officers - they are just like you and me, except they say "get behind me I will protect you." By all accounts Chris was a world class officer, dedicated son, friend and future husband. He was killed for simply doing his job - protecting us. The video ends with photos of the vigil - if there is any good in all this, it is the rally of the community - everyone put aside their color, religion, politics and focused on supporting Lakewood's finest. We end the video with a salute and finally with Chris. Take note of his smile, how he was at peace - happy - he realized his dream - he was and always will be a Police Officer and weather you knew him or not - you now do. Maybe you should rewatch the video, but this time think about the depth of what occurred, it is not just pictures and cool music - it is the loss of a life - the loss of a world class Police Officer - Patrolman Chris Matlosz, Lakewood Police Department Badge #317.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Lakewood Police
• Chris Matlosz
• 317
• LDP
• Officer Down
• End of Watch

[222damien]

RIP This is such a loss, Im a cop in Ireland and Im so sorry for the death of your friend. We hope that you will all recover from this loss but never forget, we have your back guys,Strength from Ireland.

[shoreshidoshi]

@222damien Thank you very much for your kind words and sentiments.

[Sterben1000]

Very nice video, such a horrible event.

[emtcrystal]

thank you for making this video. godspeed officer matlosz

[BrianODonohue]

May God give rest to his soul and comfort to all who loved him. This is so sad!

[truckie664]

everytime I see this video it makes me remember that day like it was yesterday. He is missed by so many people he worked with over the past years not just in Lakewood but in Eatontown & Howell. He is missed by all. All those pranks & jokes we still talk about even the radio room dispatchers..much respect to him

[fouroh8]

Officer Matlosz is serving and protecting In his second life.

[333Jewels]

So sad. Rest In Peace with the Lord Chris.

[truckie664]

317--See you when I see ya

[Explorer227]

Rest in Peace Officer Matlosz!