Four years ago 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 four years, it’s a day we will always remember like today – because it is etched in our hearts.
Chris died a hero, but even more so, lived a hero.
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.
(Photo: 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.
R.I.P. It was a very shocking day…ill never forget it…. Thanks to ALL of the LPD! They really out there saving us from all the dangers out there.
We still miss him like that fateful day . RIP my friend.
It’s a time to reflect and also a time to thank LPD.and all the surrounding towns BTPD TRPD JPD HPD AND the wallnuts for giving their all for all of us …. Stay safe ALWAYS .
Sheesh. Is it four years already ? That was one, really, crazy, sad week.
Feels like yesterday. How can we forget a hero.
While the death of Officer Matlosz was most definitely an irreversable tradegedy his real killer roams the streets while Jahmell takes the fall for that act that was not committed by Jahmell only someone else killed the cop. It is a shame that the media and those types constantly report of the death of a cop by the hand of Jahmell when Jahmell may have been in Lakewid but not there during the murder and death of the cop. We all feel reaaly sad that an innocent man who was walking on the beat doin his job while he was killeed in code blood and we should also feel bad that an innocent brother JahMel is sitting in the slammer doin time for someone elses time. Like I said already, its sad that the cop had to die and sad that Jahmel sits in prison.
Those year went fast. Prayers to your loved ones. Another angel to watch over them.
Guess #6 lives in a cave. He was caught, prosecuted and convicted by a group of his peers for a cold blooded killing. Lets not forget the other murder he plead GUILTY too. The kid is a killer, heartless and soul-less. We mourn Chris on this day and recognize that the Killer has yet to see justice because he has not faced the wrath of the only being that matters. In 4 years you know Chris and him have grown tight by now. What almost more disheartening than the death of Chris Matlosz is that the tax payers of this fine state are forced to pay to keep that animal alive. NJ needs to bring back the death penalty. #TRUTH
Sad that he is sitting in prison????? What are you kidding????? We as taxpayers are paying for a killer in Jail Why??? We should have the death penalty…… so many lives were destroyed by this killer. Special thank you to all the people who helped him bringing him in.