JENISON, Mich.– Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Matt Chatfield has passed away after battling stage 4 colon cancer.
The father of three passed away Thursday.
“Matt has touched many in his various assignments, most recently in his role as a School Resource Deputy assigned to the Jenison Area Public Schools,” Ottawa County Sheriff Gary Rosema said in a statement. “Matt had such a positive impact and influence on so many… He will be greatly missed by many including his law enforcement family at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the members of his community.”
The tight-knit community came together to support Chatfield and his family during his struggle with cancer. Blue tree lights, blue home lights and blue spotlights are everywhere you look in Jenison.
“Matt is larger than life physically and emotionally. Matt is the kind of guy that you want on your side that you want on your team," Joe Wiltrakis, one of the many people decorating their houses in honor of Chatfield, told FOX 17 earlier this month. “He’s so admired. I don’t know if there’s a word to describe it, as a dad, as coach, as a friend, as a police officer.”
Local law enforcement agencies also took to social media to show their support to Ottawa County and Deputy Chatfield's family:
