A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of richard john matthews, former officer of the WILMINGTON police department.
Whereas, Richard John Matthews, the son of Dennis and Margaret Matthews of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, graduated from Liberty High School in 1999 and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from York College of Pennsylvania in 2003; and
Whereas, Richard John Matthews served as a law enforcement officer with the New York City Police Department from January 2004 until December 2006; and
Whereas, Officer Matthews joined the Wilmington Police Department on December 11, 2006, where he served with honor and distinction for over two years; and
Whereas, on January 24, 2009, Officer Matthews and several other officers responded to a fire at a condominium complex that was fully engulfed and safely evacuated the residents of the complex, including a 96-year‑old woman; and
Whereas, because of his actions, Officer Matthews was issued a commendation for his acts of bravery, courage, and professionalism on February 5, 2009; and
Whereas, Officer Matthews was killed in the line of duty at the age of 28 as he responded to a call for help from another officer on February 18, 2009; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Officer Richard John Matthews and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community and the Wilmington Police Department.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Officer Richard John Matthews for the loss of a distinguished family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Officer Richard John Matthews and the Wilmington Police Department.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.