Community shocked by Matthews’ death

(Update)

There is incredible sadness in the city of Hamilton over the death of a popular police sergeant who took his own life Tuesday. And it’s not only from fellow officers. Ian Matthews was loved by many, from the people who sold him coffee, to victims he supported in court. He even had the respect of criminals he arrested.

The flags are at half mast, there’s a book of condolence inside the central station doors.

Ian Matthews earned his solid reputation on the homicide squad, dating back to the first homicide he was assigned.

Retired Superintendent Ken Bond says Matthews was the Wayne Gretzky of investigators. He was the best, but made everyone else better too: “Suspects were unknown, a real whodunnit. He had it solved in 48 hours which was amazing. Then he went to B.C. to pick the guy up, brought a video camera, talked to him on the plane for a couple hours, and the guy confessed by video on the plane. that’s how good he was. I guess it’s his irish brogue, as soon as you start talking to him, and his smile, and his stories. He could regale you with so many stories and he had a milion of them.”

Murder victim Billy Mason’s mother and grandmother got to know him well: “There were victims he helped and there were criminals he helped. And some of them were well enough acquainted with him and the way he conducted his business that they would actually shake his hand after. Ian happy, Ian bopping around cracking jokes, Ian trying to make everyone else feel better.”

Donna Dixon is Billy Mason’s Mom: “He was honest, upfront, would make us laugh, tell us some of his stories to sidetrack us a bit.”

Dixon says Matthews gave her strength with a hearty hug or backslap; or even a shake if she needed to get hold of herself.

Donna said: “He always greeted us with open arms, but everyone knew him. Everyone coming down the hall in the police station knew who he was.”

Mary said: “His family should be very proud of him and the job he did.”

Another place where ian Matthews spent a lot tof time was the courthouse. There’s definitely a pall over that building today. Tim Powers, the crown attorney was supposed to meet with me today, but after a grief counselling session at the courthouse, he was unable to. Other Crown attorneys were stunned and shocked that the person who seemed the happiest could do sometihing like this.

People have said he was the best Hamilton police officer there ever was. He was making up time with his kids as the holidays approached by shopping with them.