Six years ago today, 1/14/11, Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz was brutally murdered while he was out protecting us, and doing what he loved.
Though it’s been six years, it’s a day we – in Lakewood and beyond – will always remember like today.
His presence is sorely missed, but his legacy will live on, and continue to be an inspiration for us all.
R.I.P #317. “Always Safe, Extra Safe”
His killer, Jahmell Corkam, is serving life in prison without parole.
[TLS-28]
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[From our 2012 archives] By: Aaron Joseph. For many the wounds of that tragic day during January 2011, are still yet fresh. The communal love expressed by all, and the mutual care and concern shared by every citizen, then and since, has triumphed over the tragedy, and evolved into a healthier safer world today. Lakewood is a kinder gentler community because of Officer Matlosz , and far more solidified against crime today, than ever before.
I remember where I was standing just prior to sundown on that late Friday afternoon. The constant screaming of sirens and the incessant whirl of chopper blades alluded to the magnitude of what had taken place. The TLS initial bulletin confirmed it. Our community’s innocence was attacked, as one of Lakewood’s finest whilst in uniform was taken in cold-blood; in midst of doing his duty; protecting you and me; an ultimate sacrifice that could never be repaid.
By Sunday, The Lakewood Scoop was ranking nationally as number one in in depth coverage of an ever-tragic period, all-the-while portraying to the world how fine a community we truly are.
The shock and horror unified all regardless of stripe or creed, and bound a community in mourning. The sheer outpouring of expression during that period signified our community’s outrage. The magnificent display of comradeship spoke volumes and was displayed by thousands of fellow officers and first-responders who arrived from around the country, and the entire community stopping its daily routine and lining the funeral route. Residents took off from work, businesses closed, schoolchildren and Yeshiva students study books aside, stood side-by-side, displaying solidarity against an intolerable evil. All expressing final respect to an individual who cared for them during his life, and protected them with his life. A unification of all – in tribute to one.
An old African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Indeed, during those cold, snowy days of January 2011, Lakewood’s upbringing was unwittingly placed on public display. How dignified, how honorable, how mature a community Lakewood proved to be. If the proverbial child was Christopher Matlosz who paid the ultimate price for our good, we the proverbial sibling honorably lived up to the demands of his sacrifice in pure faith as we enshrined his memory.
Officer Matlosz it may be two years, but time makes no difference. Your memory as your selfless service lives on as fresh as ever. An always grateful community lives on today in far greater safety, motivated to further harmony, cohesive in unity, and inspired by the lesson of your life, a prime example of the good Lakewood has to offer. It is never too late to express thanks, and so we all continue to do.
May God protect and watch over you now, as you sought to protect and watch over us all during your time on earth. May your soul rest in peace.
MULTIPLE VIDEOS BELOW:
(Exclusive Video of scene was removed upon request).
Video statment from Mayor Menashe Miller following the murder.
Video: Press Conference announcing the arrest of Jahmell Crockham.
Video: Press Conference following the arraignment of Crockham.
Video of body of Chris Matlosz brought through Lakewood.
Video of Toms River PD announcing taking control of Lakewood patrolling.
Video of Law Enforcement personnel pouring into Lakewood for the funeral.
Funeral of Chris Matlosz – with exclusive footage.
Video renaming 3rd Street to Matlosz Way.
Missing you and your smiling face never forgotten! Rest in paradise
Maran Rav Aharon Leib Steinman shlit”a said that yeshiva students should leave learning to participate in this funeral since such an incident is the worst thing that can happen because if not for the power and authority of the police officers, ordinary citizens would not be safe from dangerous people
do you have the videos in your player format? Its blocked by my filter
Two tragic events occured on that faithful day in January of 2011 in the heart of Lakewood township if we can understand how deep and painful this situation is really for all those involved and what not. On that faithful day, a police officah named Chris died as a result of someone who fired some sort of firearm and what not at him cuasing him to die and what not and then came the accusation against and innocent man and what not. Jahmell was in Lakewood on that faithful day and what not but that does not mean that he killed nobody and what not, all theat means is that Jahmell and Chris were in the same place and same area and what not but he didnt kill no one and what not. Two tragedies and: Chris dies and Jahmell gets prison for not doing nothing and what not.
Excuse me. Not only did Jamal kill officer Chris Matlosz he also killed his cousin a few weeks before.
RIP Chris . #317 We miss you.
Greatest sympathy to your family and fellow officers.
Jamaal the murderer stay in jail and never come out.
I got a few tips for Gonzalez factor. First, either buy a dictionary or buy a new phone. Your spelling sucks and your spell check is worse. Two, show some respect for not only Chris but for the justice system in this great country of ours. That (moderated) was found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Guilty! But instead of wasting your time trolling the web and trying to show everyone how smart you are because you got your law degree from the university of Google, go and thank the men and women who wear the uniform to keep you safe and your rights protected.
RIP 317
He was guilty! Justice served.
To Gonzalez #4: No. There was only one tragedy that day. How many “what not’s” can you possible say. Also, it was a “fateful” day, not “faithful”. Look it up. Try spell check and use a dictionary. How you were allowed to give your opinion on this site and have it posted is beyond me. Bless the officers’ family. Can’t believe it’s been six years. Our prayers are with you. Remember it like it was yesterday.