Rest in peace Matthew , you were a friend and pleasure to work with and share stories with. A true professional and I don't know a person who you couldn't make a friend with..Keep an eye on all of us here until wee meet again..!

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time Helen, and I am so sorry for your loss.
-Kim Ramcke
Clinton Bible Fellowship

Matt and I were teammates, friends and like siblings  for many many years, spending 12-hour shifts, side by side,  enjoying “thirsty Thursdays”,  holidays, birthdays and random days off together. We had innumerable conversations about work, politics, religion, hopes, dreams, family,  pets; we tend to get to know someone, almost on an intimate level,  that way.  I was Aunt Val to their mastiffs, Hugo and Fiona, and know they are grieving and missing their daddy.  After I retired from my 40-year career from 911, Matt would keep in touch by visiting me at home on his days off when he would take the dogs out to lunch. I got to love on them and catch up with his goings on. There is a void now without him, but we will see each other again. Just knowing that he is well, happy and likely driving the angels nuts with his litany of endless puns, puts a smile on my face.  Love and miss you,  Matt.  I hope the train from the Pearly Gates to the feet of Jesus is being operated by you now. 

I had the distinct privilege of experiencing Matt at his very best professionally and personally many years ago when I had a severe allergic reaction to a chemical I was using at home.   I was alone and called 911 for an ambulance when my throat closed up and my breathing became labored.  Matt was the ambulance driver.  He found me being helped by a police officer as I turned blue and collapsed in my driveway.  He facilitated connecting the ambulance EMT with his base so he could initiate treatment en route to the clinic as the EMT was concerned that I could not wait until I got there.  Matt had to continue his shift, but he contacted his mom Helen to locate my husband who was working in Boston for the day and contacted our local priest.  After his shift, Matt was waiting to take me home and stayed with me until my husband got there.   I am sure that his expertise helped to save my life and his caring supported me through the ordeal.   Rest in peace, Matt.  You will always be remembered.

When I was on patrol, I loved when you were on channel A.  The calm in your voice always humbled me.  No matter the situation, I counted on you, as did many others.   You voice is legendary, your experience exceeded my expectations time and time again.   There was something about the way you said our call signs, I can't get it out of my head, especially mine Adam 11.  

I miss you Matt!  We just talked a few weeks ago by phone and oh how I miss you!  I have no clue why I called into communications but I'm happy I did.  We discussed business and before we hung up and I told you that you were my favorite.  I'm so glad I told you  those words  and how I really felt about you.  I hope it means as much to you as it does to me!

On my way home from work on March 30th I saw a train cross over highway 85 and I thought of you.  That night I found out about your passing.  My heart was and is broken.  On March 31st, I saw the train again on my way home and I felt like you were saying goodbye.  I've never seen this train before expect on these two dates.

You will be missed greatly.  I especially will miss your smile, stories, and laughter.  Rest in peace my friend :-)  Forever your Adam 11

The calm in the storm. The protector. The voice you needed when you weren't even aware of the need. This was Matt. He was born to be the person others needed and he was exceptional at his duties. I could feel the happiness in his voice when we spoke on the phone at work. I could always depend on him for a laugh. You will be missed by so many. I pray God's comfort for all of the family. 

Matt,
Words can’t honestly describe the passion you had for the job and from what I’ve read over the last week, there was no one you didn’t touch somehow.  When I tried to figure out what to say, it’s all already been said so I’ll leave a memory for you.  

It was probably 2 or 3 years ago, we had an individual expected to arrive on a train from Charlotte that had active warrants.  Matt coincidentally took the call-of course.  Prior to ever making it to the train station to see if the train had arrived, Matt had called around gathering the train schedules, departure times, layovers and even spoken to Railroad Police. Every so often he’d have me call in and give me an update, two steps ahead always!  The amount of leg work he put in was awesome and he loved every minute of it...it combined his two loves - dispatching and trains.

Matt, rest easy buddy.  Keep a check on everyone from the Communications center to those on the streets and asleep in the Fire Stations-we would all be grateful for it.

Matt was without a doubt the best communicator I have ever worked with. He could read the tone of voice of each officer on the radio, and knew when we needed help half the time before we did.  He also had some of the best stories I had ever heard about the calls that came into dispatch. He could always make a person feel better no matter the situation. I will miss him. 

Matt will be truly missed. I sincerely enjoyed listening to him on the radio and appreciated his calming voice. His assistance was always sincere and his knowledge was impeccable.  May GOD bless him and comfort his family during this difficult time. 

Matt was a Great Friend and Great Trainer to me.  Matt and I worked together almost 4 of the 6 Years I have been at High Point.  There is one Memory that I will never Forget and he would never let me forget it.  Matt and I was doing Call Taking in my training and we had to call the Chaplin for the Police Department for something.  Well the Chaplin's ring tone on his cell phone was What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.  Well needless to say I thought my head set was muted and of course it was not so in my best Impression of Louis Armstrong I attempted to sing the song and it was recorded on the line.  After the call was over we laughed so hard about it and he would never let me forget it and it was just as funny every time told it like it just had happened.   Matt taught me alot and I will Miss him dearly.  Rest Easy my Friend.  We have it from here.  
Your Lifetime Friend 
JC

Our 911 Communicators are our life lines. When we are alone and in danger, their voices are with us directing help our way.  Matt always seemed to know what I  needed before I said it and he would get me  what I needed and usually went two steps  beyond.  I will miss his voice in my ears.   Rest in Peace my friend. 

Captain Kevin Ray 
Charlie Team
HPPD 

I am still a little bit in disbelief that Matthew is gone. One thing I know for sure is, he will never be forgotten. To know Matt was to love him. I remember when we were children I was always impressed by how smart he was and he could tell you just about anything you wanted to know about trains, even at a young age. Our families spent a lot of time together growing up and we always had fun.  I was so happy that Matt was a part of our wedding day! (See photo) As an adult he was one of the most quick witted people I knew and always had a great comeback. I never worked with him but I can tell by reading all the tributes here and on social media he was one of the best at his job! Rest well Matthew, I will meet you in the morning!! Caroline, Nathan, Angie and Helen (Mrs. Brown) I so wish that I could be there with you as you celebrate Matt's life. I love you all. 

What is there to say about someone when everyone has already nailed it on the head when it comes to Matt? When you work with people in a small room for 12 hours a day you get to know them pretty well. I had the privilege of being trained by Matt, first with my call-taking solo and then again for Fire dispatch. His love for teaching and dispatching was so apparent you couldn’t help but admire him! Over the years we’ve had many conversations about love of trains (not me personally but family members of mine who did). My favorite conversations however were always about traveling up north, I have family from up in the New England area so it was nice to talk about things that only locals and fellow New Englanders would understand! Matt will be missed by many and it’s incredible to look at how many people his life touched and we are all better people for it! Rest easy Matt we have the watch from here! 

Matt and I were on the same team for about a year. I had decided to accept a newly created Training Coordinator Position with a different agency so I could continue to expand my knowledge but was nervous about the change I knew would come. I knew internal employees had applied and was concerned they would see me as an outsider. Old school telecommunicators were the harshest! Matt would have none of that and made me my first desktop nameplate. It read "Communications Commandant" and I still have it today. Matt had more faith in me than I ever could muster for myself. It wasn't a stretch for Matt though. Matt always had faith in his team and those he loved. 
Matt made a life and legacy out of one thing... helping others. No matter what the cost, he was willing to do everything in his power to help. Matt treated people alike be it in person, radio or phone. He had the greatest voice on the radio and loved everyone he dispatched. There isn't a person who has ever existed more who defined the honor, the sacrifice, and the true commitment to watching over the heroes who needed him. Rest easy  my friend. I will miss you and our talks more than you realize. 

MATT I BECAME friends  when  I joined  Clinton fire dept I was new didn't know anyone  there  Matt came up to me we started  talking he guided me through  alot of hurdles and gave me confidence  and told me I can do anything  we BECAME really good  friends he got me on volunteer  nights at the valley  railroad  Matt  was like a brother to me I wouldn't be where iam now I will miss  him  he will always be in my heart wish you were  still here matt😢😥

Matt was a wonderfully unique human being and he lived out that uniqueness every day.   Aloha and condolences to his family and friends from his friends in Hawaii..Grace and Charley

I have known Mr. Brown since I was in his wife’s third grade class about ten years ago. I became so close with them and spent much time with them both, especially these past few years. Mr. Brown was like my family, and I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him, the laughs we shared, the stories he told, and so much more. I miss him dearly, but I am so glad he is at peace. He will always be remembered as the great person he was, who had a heart of gold. 

Matt had such an incredible spirit and love for his family, friends and co-workers.  He had such a wonderful sense of humor and could always make me laugh!

He loved my sweet friend, Caroline and their fur babies!  He also had a profound impact on the High Point community as a 911 dispatch officer.  

I know his body was failing him in his last days but I know he’s now fully restored!  I also know that he is rejoicing with other family and friends that have gone before him.  Rest well, Matt...rest well.

Sabrina Hatcher 

Matt came into my life through my sister, Caroline and was truly more like my brother than a brother in law. He also became a dear friend.  

He was a rare combination of great intelligence, a witty and clever sense of humor, compassion and a sensitive soul. 
I always looked forward to our messaging each other when I moved further away. I will miss him so very much, I already do. 

Yet, I will always be so thankful that he was in my life.  And I will always be very thankful for how much he loved my baby sister and their dog and cat babies. 

Matt was a Blessing to so many...from those he helped with his life’s work to everyone that was fortunate to have him in their lives and hearts.
Thank you so much Matt! 
You loved me for who I am as I did you. 
I love you my brother friend. 



OBITUARY

Matthew Richard Brown

October 6, 1968 – March 30, 2021

Swan Funeral Home

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