Article copied from NewsManatee.com

IN LOVING MEMORY:
Beloved Bradenton Police Sergeant
Killed in Out-of-State Motorcycle Accident

BRADENTON, Florida [NMT] -- Sgt. Tyler Mathews, 40, of the Bradenton Police Department, was killed in a traffic crash in South Dakota on Friday. He was in Sturgis, South Dakota, for the Sturgis Bike Rally. His wife had given him the trip -- a longtime dream of his was to attend that bike rally -- for his 40th birthday this past week.

Above, Sgt. Tyler Mathews singing the National Anthem
at the Tribute to Heroes September 11th Memorial Service
Photo courtesy Division Chief David Quaderer
Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue

According to reports, another motorcycle pulled out in front of Sgt. Mathews and he died on scene.

Sgt. Mathews' wife, Lisa, was riding on the back of the motorcycle at the time. She is currently recovering in a South Dakota hospital from injuries suffered in the crash.

Lt. James Racky, of BPD, said, "Tyler was a good friend, a great cop and he meant the world to his wife, kids and family."

"Tyler loved motorcycles and he loved singing," Bradenton Police Major J.J. Lewis said. "He was always singing."

Additional photos of Sgt. Mathews
Submitted by Deputy Todd Sellito
Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Tyler Mathews was a 10-year veteran of the Bradenton Police Department. Of late, he was in charge of the Bradenton Police Department's Traffic Unit and was a skilled traffic homicide investigator.

Sgt. Mathews is survived by his wife and four children, ranging in age from high school age downward through elementary school, and his brother, Tad.

Tyler's brother is pastor at Church On The Rock, in Palmetto, and also is the chaplain for the Bradenton Police Department.

The children are staying with Tyler's brother at Tad's home in Palmetto until Lisa is released from the hospital and can return to Bradenton to join them once again.

Funeral arrangements are pending and won't be decided until Tyler's wife is released from the hospital, at which time Sgt. Mathews' body will be flown back to Bradenton, according to Bradenton Police Department Major William Tokajer -- a good friend of the Mathews family.

Tyler Mathews and Major Tokajer were both Deacons at the Church on the Rock.

"His kids were his life," Tokajer said. Major Tokajer spent time with the children on Saturday, comforting them.

"I've known Tyler for years and watched him and his family grow. Tyler was a great officer, and a great father, husband and friend. He was like a brother to me. It's been tough, realizing this isn't a dream," Bill Tokajer confided to NewsManatee.

The Major was obviously shaken by the death of his friend and very sad, as are many who knew Tyler Mathews.

Bradenton Police Sgt. Tyler Mathews will be sorely missed by many in the community.

[Ed. Note: Readers may feel free to copy the photos above to retain for their memories of Sgt. Mathews. NewsManatee sends its condolences to the Mathews family and to the many law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS personnel who knew Sgt. Mathews and loved and respected him.]