Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My condolences goes out to the family of Officer DeWit. It's sad to hear he passed so young, and he was just getting started with his career. I know he would've made a good police officer. Thank you for your service Officer DeWit.

Mawaldi Holmes
JJC student of Sgt. J. Sims
Februrary 17, 2026

Mawaldi Holmes
JJC student of Sgt. J. Sims

February 18, 2026

Hello and good afternoon,

Id like to thank Officer DeWit for his service in this career and I send my condolences to his family. Volunteering to step in this line of work is by far one of the most brave things a person can do and Eric was one of those people. It's sad to see that the people who try and provide service to help protect their community have the most risk and get treated with such disrespect. I can only imagine how good of a man he was and send my prayers to all of your family.

STUDENT MEKHI
FRIEND

February 18, 2026

Thank you for your service, Officer DeWit, you are an inspiration to upcoming officers for you dedication and sacrifice. Your career was just starting but had a big impact on the community, family, and upcoming officers as you were able to protect your partner. I hope I can become an amazing officer as you were when I get into the service. Officer DeWit has inspired many upcoming officers by showing great courage and protecting others in the line of duty. You will never be forgotten and again, thank you for your service.

Alexis Romo
Joliet Junior College

February 17, 2026

Thank you for your service, I am a student of sarge sims, your family is proud of you for what you have done and sacrificed for them, thank you for your service, sir, rest easy.

Kenzie
Joliet junior college

February 17, 2026

Officer DeWit, reading your story really hit me. You were only 25 years old, just getting started in your career, and you still chose to serve and protect your community every single day. That kind of commitment says a lot about the type of person you were.

It’s heartbreaking to know your life was taken so suddenly. No family should have to go through that pain, especially a mother losing her son. To your mom and loved ones I hope you can feel how many people still think about Eric and honor his name. His service and sacrifice truly matter.

Rest easy, Officer DeWit. Your watch may have ended, but you are not forgotten.

Anthony Edwards

February 17, 2026

Officer DeWit,
Thank you for your service, you will always be remembered. Although your career ended early you changed many lives and made a difference in your community. You will never be forgotten. Thank you.

Carlos Contreras
Law Enforcement Student

February 17, 2026

Dear Son,

It has been 23 years since you were taken from us. 23 years of reflections. It's so hard to believe as it seems like it was just yesterday we could see you smile and hear your laughter. You know how much we love and miss you. Never a day goes by that we don't think of how life would be with you still here with us. You are so missed by all who knew you.

I don't think many understand how wonderful it is for the parents of a fallen officer to see a meaningful reflection left on a memorial page, especially after 23 years. Thank you to all who have at some time left a reflection whether you had known Eric or only heard his story. A special thank you to Assistant Chief Jeremy Sims for continuing to keep Eric's memory alive and to his students who so thoughtfully left a message. We carefully read each entry. There are so many officers throughout the years that have lifted us up. We can't thank all of you enough.

Please stay safe. We pray for all officers.

Parents Gene and Dariel DeWit

February 17, 2026

Officer DeWit, I am a law enforcement student at JJC. it’s hard to fully understand the weight of your loss. Only four months into your career with the Matteson Police Department, your life was just beginning in so many ways, as an officer, a husband, and a new father. His death is a reminder that behind every uniform is a real person with a family, dreams, and people who love them. As a law enforcement student, I am focused on building my future, and it’s powerful and humbling to remember that people like yourself dedicate their lives to protecting others. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Christian Silva
Law Enforcement Student

February 17, 2026

Thank you Officer Dewit! I may not be an officer quite yet, but its people like you who make me strive to be. No everyone understands just what it means to "Serve and Protect". I thank you for what you did for the community!

You will forever be seen as a hero! You will always remain an inspiration for all who serve, active or future!

Law Enforcement Student, Wilmer DeJesus

February 17, 2026

23 years without you, reading your story is heartbreaking to know you had to leave so soon. Just by reading the reflections of others, I can tell you were loved deeply by the people you surrounded. You are an inspiration to many, with a strong commitment to serving others. Only a special type of person would put their own life in danger to help others. The people you left behind must feel so much pride knowing the impact you made in such a short time. Your legacy will live on, and I hope to be the type of man you were. Thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice, and the example you set for others.

Vince Cappelletti
Law Enforcement Student of Sgt. J. Sims

February 17, 2026

Thank you for your service, Officer DeWit, and for the sacrifice you made to protect your community. Although your service with the Matteson Police Department was only four months, your willingness to serve says a lot about your character and commitment. At the age of 23, you gave your life in the line of duty, leaving behind your wife and newborn daughter. This sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Your sacrifice reminds us of the dangers that officers face every day to protect others. On this day, February 17, 2026, I pay tribute to your memory and the legacy you left behind. I hope that your family feels the appreciation and respect of those who remember you.
In Respect,
Alexis Rodriguez
JJC Student
February 17, 2026

Alexis rodriguez
N/A

February 17, 2026

Hi, my name is Emma Hermanas and I am a student of Sergeant Jeremy Sims and it has always been my lifetime dream to be apart of the police department. I just turned 20 just about 2 weeks ago and thinking about how short life can be is truly shattering. Officer DeWitt chose a truly virtuous and honorable career and for that we all appreciate his contribution tremendously.
As a current student and future officer, I want to try and embrace and remember the bravery he had.
Thank you so much Officer DeWitt for what you did on the job and how much you have encouraged kids like me.

Emma Hermanas
JJC Student

February 17, 2026

Thank you for your service, Officer Dewit, and for the sacrifice you made to help protect your community. Even though your career was just starting, your courage and dedication show what kind of officer and person you were. It’s sad to hear that you lost your life at such a young age and left behind your wife and daughter. Your service and sacrifice will always matter, and your story reminds other officers of the risks they face every day to help keep others safe. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Shamira Winters
JJC STUDENT

February 17, 2026

Hi there, I'm Jason Rico, a current Joliet Junior College student. I'm not an officer yet, but I plan to be one day. As I work toward my law enforcement degree, I'm coming to appreciate the strength, commitment, and responsibility that come with wearing a badge.

Officer DeWit chose a path that not many people in this profession get the gratitude and respect they deserve. He showed up for the community and department in ways where it left a lasting memory to upcoming officers that are on the start of their journey.

Many people around the country have been impacted by the duration of your dedication, as well as your loved ones, your department, and the community you defended will always remember you. Along with students like me who want to serve and defend with the same bravery and commitment you displayed while carrying your badge.

Thank you Officer DeWit, You made a great impact and your legacy would forever live on.

Jason Rico
JJC Student
February 17, 2026

N/A
Student

February 17, 2026

My name is Austen Gast, I’m only a college student right now, not an officer yet but I am learning what this profession truly stands for. As a student of Sergeant Jeremy Sims, I’m beginning to understand the responsibility, sacrifice, and strength it takes to wear the badge. Through that perspective, your service means even more to me.

You chose a path that required courage every single day. You showed up for your community, for your department, and for people who may never have had the chance to thank you. That kind of commitment leaves a lasting impact. Even those of us who are just starting our journey can feel the weight and honor of the example you set.

Your legacy reaches beyond your time in uniform. It lives in the department you served, in the community you protected, and in students like me who are working toward one day serving with the same integrity and dedication.

Thank you for your service, Officer DeWit. You truly made an impact, and you will never be forgotten.

Austen Gast
JJC Student

February 17, 2026

You are always missed, brother. Your memory lives on! Continue to know we have the watch....

Deputy Chief J. Sims
Matteson Police Department

February 17, 2026

Officer DeWit,
I am a college student of your former partner, Sgt Sims. He has encouraged us to read your story for our class. Your daughter would be so proud of the sacrifice you made to save your partner's life. I really hope your family is doing well and I'm proud of what you did to keep community safe. Thank you for your service

Aaron Stafiej
Law Enforcement Student of Sgt J. Sims
February 16th, 2026

N/A

February 16, 2026

Officer DeWit, I would like to thank you for your service and sacrifice. It is a privilege to learn from one of your respected comrades and I'm excited to learn valuable lessons that you may have once taught him yourself. God bless you and your family.

Kayden K.

February 16, 2026

Officer DeWit,
It is evident by these reflections the impact that you’ve had on the lives of those around you. There are no words to describe the heroism of men such as yourself. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live in peace.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" – John 15:13

Reagan Weber
Law Enforcement Student of Sgt J. Sims

February 16, 2026

I'd like to thank you for your service and desire to protect and serve your community along with the people around you. I hope your wife and daughter are doing well, wishing them happiness and safety. Those who put themselves in between danger and the people they hold dear are never forgotten. I can see you were a loving husband, father, son, and colleague from all the past reflections, I know you are missed and still loved to this day. May you rest in peace.

Kurtis Fisher
JJC Law Enforcement student of Jeremy Sims

February 16, 2026

Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice!
To your daughter, who will always remember her father as a good man, a hero whose memory lives on. To your wife, who I sincerely hope she found all the strength needed during any challenging times.

Law Enforcement Student of Sgt. J Sims

February 15, 2026

Officer DeWit, thank you for your service. Even though I have never met you, I can tell just by reading some of the reflections that you were a great man, husband, father, and son. It is beautiful that your parents wish you a happy birthday every year on this police officer memorial page. Speaking of which, happy belated birthday! While your life was taken too early, I am sure you are looking down at your family and friends, protecting them every step of the way. You will never be forgotten. May you continue to rest in peace. 

Brooke Ulreich
Intro to Law Enforcement - Sergeant Sims - JJC
February 15, 2026

Dispatcher Brooke Ulreich
Joliet Junior College Campus Police

February 15, 2026

Officer Dewitt,



My name is Dylan Bright, and I am currently pursuing a career in law enforcement while studying under one of your former field training officers. Even though I never had the privilege of meeting you, your story has reached me in a way that feels deeply personal.



There is nothing more selfless or honorable than risking everything to protect the life of your partner. In that moment in 2003, you embodied the true meaning of courage and brotherhood. The oath to protect and serve is not just words — you lived it, and you proved it when it mattered most.



From everything I have learned, you were not only a dedicated officer with the Matteson Police Department, but also a brother, a friend, and a source of energy and strength to those around you. The impact you left behind is still felt. The laughter, the drive, the loyalty — those are things no tragedy can erase.



As someone preparing to wear the badge one day, I understand that this profession comes with sacrifice. The bond between officers is unlike anything else, and your actions remind me of the responsibility and commitment that come with this calling. You set the example of what it means to stand by your partner without hesitation.



A good soul always leaves a mark long after they are gone. Your legacy continues to inspire future officers like myself to serve with integrity, courage, and heart. Thank you for the sacrifice you made, and for the standard you set for all of us who hope to follow in your footsteps.



Rest easy, sir. You will never be forgotten.



With the utmost respect and gratitude,

Dylan Bright

Dylan Bright
College student pursuing Law Enforcement
Sgt J. Sims Student

February 13, 2026

Rest in peace Officer DeWit. Thank you for your service and sacrifice to your community and to law enforcement as a whole. Even to this day you continue to make an impact not just on your department but to others who have the honor of reading your story. No matter how short of a time being on the force, your commitment to duty and courage shined bright, may your memory be remembered and honored always.

Jose Almazan
Joliet Junior College, Student of Stg. J. Sims

February 13, 2026

Thank you for your service Officer DeWit, you have truly made an impact on your community and the department you were an officer for.

Anonymous

February 12, 2026