In Memory of Patrolman Matthew Adam Jimenez

Texas is reeling from the number of losses the state is experiencing in law enforcement. On Sunday, August 22, 2021, residents received news that a 24-year-old rookie had been the 49th officer to die in the line of duty in Texas since the beginning of the year. Patrolman Matthew Jimenez, badge 5439, died due to complications from COVID19, which he contracted while on duty.

The federal mandate was put in place to help families like the Jimenez’s. All active-duty officers who die from the coronavirus will be given full line-of-duty death benefits. Texas is being devastated by the number of losses from this pandemic. Patrolman Jimenez had served with the Beeville Police Department for just over a year. He is the second officer in the department’s history to die in the line of duty.

Jimenez had many hobbies outside the department. He was a big man and wearing his uniform; one would expect a tough guy. However, he was known to have a soft heart, warm smile and even loved to go bird-watching. Jimenez lived in Beeville and was proud to have achieved his dream to become a police officer. Many were looking forward to watching him grow into his career and be a great leader in the community.

Beeville Police Department, Texas

Jimenez chose his community to serve. The Beeville Police Department is a small force with approximately 23 full-time sworn officers. However, the agency is fully accredited and provides protective services to about 13,000 residents. The jurisdiction of the department covers about 6.4 square miles.

Beeville is the hometown of Jimenez. It is located near the Aransas River. The area was first settled in 1830. Today it is a beautiful area near the coastal area of Texas.

Remembrances

Patrolman Matthew Adam Jimenez leaves behind his fiancé, parents, two brothers, and sister. The community will mourn with the Jimenez family, helping to support them during their grief. Their gratitude for the sacrifice made by Patrolman Jimenez will honor his service. Jimenez was well-known and well-liked by many in the community; this tragic loss will be felt deeply by the entire area.

The Beeville Police Officer’s Association posted on their Facebook their condolences for the family and coworkers of Officer Jimenez. “Our brother in blue fought valiantly but succumbed to his illness tonight. Officer Jimenez served the Beeville Police Department with honor and integrity. His smile and laughter will truly be missed. Heaven has gained another guardian angel tonight. Rest easy, #5439; we have the rest from here.”

The Bishop Police Department joined in the shared grief and held a group prayer for the Jimenez family. “The Bishop Police Department, along with Officers from several surrounding area Law Enforcement agencies, gathered at Spohn Shoreline to pay their respects to fallen Beeville Police Department Officer Matthew Adam Jimenez #5439, who passed away over the weekend from complications related to COVID-19. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Jimenez’s family (Blood/Blue), his friends, the men and women of Beeville P.D., and the entire Beeville community. Rest in peace, brother; we have the watch from here!”