Retired Police Lieutenant Mourned By Morristown Community

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The community is mourning the loss of retired Morristown Police Lieutenant Matthew Rawding.

Rawding, 64, of Morris Plains, died on Wednesday. His death came after he suffered a major heart attack on Sept. 12.

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While fighting for his life in the hospital following the heart attack, the Morristown community rallied to help his family afford the medical bills, raising more than $110,000.

More: New Heart Needed For Retired Morristown Cop, Community Rallies

Rawding joined the Morristown Police Department in 1997. During his 27-and-a-half year career, he rose through the ranks, retiring having earned the title of lieutenant.

"During his time at the police department, he made lifelong friends and used his position in law enforcement to guide countless members of the community during some of their hardest times," his obituary reads. "Matt was always the person people would call if they needed help, advice, or wanted to talk."

The Morristown Department of Public Safety called Rawding "a dedicated police officer, respected leader, and, most importantly, a good man."

"His presence, friendship, and years of service will be deeply missed. His legacy will remain a part of the Morristown Police Department for years to come," Morristown officials said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt's family, friends, and his brothers and sisters of the Morristown Police Bureau."

In addition to serving his community, Rawding loved soccer, golf, and his family. He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, and more family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at
St. Thomas More Church, 4 Convent Road in Morristown. A burial mass will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the same church.

Rawding's final burial place will be in the Holy Rood Cemetery
at 61 Whippany Road in Morristown.