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Crime & Safety

Saturday Night BlueClaws Game to Honor Fallen Officer Matlosz

For every ticket sold, the BlueClaws plan to make a $3 donation to Holding Onto Hope

Lakewood Police Officer Chirstopher Matlosz had patrolled countless BlueClaws games during his career.

Now, the club will help honor the fallen officer, who was in January, with a ceremony and fundraiser during its Saturday night game against the Greenville Drive.

"It's quite simple," said Jim DeAngelis, the BlueClaws' community relations director. "He worked many games here for many years. We had to step up and do the right thing."

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To DeAngelis, Matlosz, 27, a Howell High School graduate and Manchester resident, was still, "just a kid."

"We talked to the Lakewood PBA and asked if there was any way we could help out," DeAngelis said. "You always want to do the right thing, but we didn't want to do it too soon and make it look like we were capitalizing on others' pain."

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Mark Zrebiec, financial secretary for the Lakewood PBA, said that the organization is "happy to have a good relationship" with the club.

"They have been totally supportive and were thrilled when they wanted to approach us," he said. "It's going to be a day to celebrate, a very humbling experience for all of us."

The game will also serve as remembrance of their fellow officer, Zrebiec said.

"It will take us back to that day, but also all the good times we have had with Chris," he said. "We're all great friends, who have a deep affection. It's going to be a happy time."

Stepping up to the plate, the BlueClaws have announced for every ticket sold, they will be making a $3 donation to a foundation set up by Matlosz's fiancee, Kelly Walsifer called Holding Onto Hope.

"We would absolutely love to break attendance records on Saturday night," DeAngelis said.

Plenty more will be on-hand to honor the memory of Matlosz, including an honor guard and N.J. State Police helicopter fly-over. Matlosz's fiancee and brother will be on the field to toss out the first pitches. 

"There will be police on-hand selling shirts, where the proceedes will go to the foundation as well," DiAngelis said.

The goal, according to DiAngelis, is to celebrate his life.

"He was like family to us. Lakewood has a wonderful police force and we just want to give back any way we can," he said.

In a statement, BlueClaws General Manager Geoff Brown called the officer's death "tragic and senseless."

"The BlueClaws are honored to be able to host this fundraiser in Officer Matlosz's honor and we hope to raise a great deal of money in his memory," he said.

Matlosz was also honored earlier this year with a in Lakewood, as well as at a .

On Facebook, an event page for the game has been created here, which anyone can join.

To buy tickets for Saturday's game, visit Blueclaws.com or call 732-901-7000, Ext. 110.

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