Sunday marks seven years since the brutal murder of Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz.
Though it’s been six years, it’s a day we – in Lakewood and beyond – will always remember.
R.I.P #317. “Always Safe, Extra Safe”
His killer, Jahmell Corkam, is serving life in prison without parole.
See exclusive video coverage of the 2011 events.
[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.
This is a murder that never should have happened. Chris was only doing his job when he was killed for no reason. Hopefully it will never happen again in Lakewood and elsewhere. Stay safe police officers and be alert at all times.
Rest in peace officer Matlosz. We will never ever forget your heroism and bravery. You gave yourself to protecting others and for that we are forever grateful. May your memory be blessed and may the al-mighty protect all those in blue that put their lives in danger every day to keep our community safe.
R.I.P officer Matlosz
To the murderer, rot in hell