Kelly Walsifer told her fiance the morning he was killed, 'Stay safe, extra safe' Watch video
LAKEWOOD — The fiancee of Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz gave a tearful eulogy at his funeral Mass today.
Kelly Walsifer's voice cracked with emotion as she spoke of her relationship and last days with her fiance.
Walsifer described the moment she was told that a Lakewood police officer had been shot.
"No one told me it was him, but I knew," she said. "A warmth came over me, and Chris whispered to me, 'Everything is going to be okay. I will love you forever.'"
She described a routine they had before leaving for work in the morning, a ritual she hadn't strayed from that Friday morning.
"Stay safe, extra safe," she said.
"I've been saying that to him for the past four years. And I know now that he will always stay safe, extra safe. He is looking down at his fellow officers to keep them safe, extra safe."
Walsifer spoke of the life they had built together in the past four years: Matlosz's playful jokes, the get-togethers they had with families and friends, how he rubbed her back to sleep at night.
"I'm blessed to have had an amazing fiance and a best friend," Walsifer said, and then read a poem by C. Raymond Beran, "What is a friend?"
Walsifer floored the place and received an ovation after her words.
Gov. Chris Christie then gave a short speech, saying, "[Matlosz's] example of bravery, friendship, courage, compassion and love should serve as an example to all of us about what a life well-lived looks like."
He said the family must have the "contradictory feelings of love and grief."
The service ended around 2 pm
Police Officer Jeff Hanlon, who worked with Matlosz in Englishtown, read a poem preceding Walsifer.
"We ask ourselves why would anyone take his life, for Chris never had the chance to call Kelly his wife, he said. "We need not fear, for Chris' soul did not die. He only moved his patrol from the earth to the sky."
Some 10,000 police officers, from departments as far away as Canada and the Bahamas, were present at the ceremony, according to a spokesman from the Lakewood police department. They overflowed the FirstEnergy Park, stadium of the minor league Lakewood BlueClaws, he said.
Inside a Mass booklet, a photo of Matlosz and Walsifer adorns the final page, which reads:
"Chris was a devoted son, brother, and soul mate to fiancee Kelly and a proud member of the Lakewood Police Department. He was a man who enjoyed life and had the gift of laughter to share with fellow officers and friends.
"Chris' life, though short in years, was rich in service to family and community. His presence touched the lives of everyone he met. The world is better because he was here.
"Our faith community prays that Chris' family will find comfort in the love and support of their friends as they entrust him to the tender embrace of God."
Heavy traffic delays and street closures are expected throughout the downtown Lakewood area through 3 p.m. today. Road closures are also expected in the area of New Hampshire Avenue, Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue between 2 and 4 p.m.
According to a statement by Lakewood authorities, township court sessions are canceled today. Anyone who has a scheduled court date will be contacted by the court for a new date.
Matlosz, 27, was killed in the line of duty on Friday afternoon in Lakewood after being shot three times while sitting inside his patrol car during a routine stop.
His accused killer, Jahmell W. Crockam, 19, was arrested Sunday morning after a nearly 40-hour manhunt across three states. He made his first court appearance Tuesday and remains in custody in lieu of $5 million bail.
Previous coverage:
• Man accused of fatally shooting Christopher Matlosz is charged in second slaying
• Hundreds of police officers attend wake for slain Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz
• Mother of slain Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz clings to memories of her son, copes with loss
• Man accused in slaying of Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz appears in court
• Colleagues, family and friends honor fallen Lakewood police officer with candlelight vigil
• Tips from the public led to suspect's arrest in slaying of Lakewood police officer
• Fiancee of slain Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz speaks out
• Jahmell Crockam is charged with fatally shooting Lakewood Police Officer Chris Matlosz
• Lakewood deputy chief says police officer Chris Matlosz was 'assassinated' as search for killer continues