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Incident
Deputy Matt Herzog was killed in an automobile crash while he and his trainee pursued a vehicle.
The officers had responded to a prowler call and began to chase the vehicle after it sped past them at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the police vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree on the passenger's side, where Deputy Herzog was sitting, killing him.
The suspect Deputy Herzog was chasing was apprehended, convicted of felony eluding and felony hit-and-run, and sentenced to four years imprisonment with credit for time already served.
Deputy Herzog had served with the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and parents.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Herzog gave the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Bellingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Herzog.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Matt is one of 111 officers lost to accidents in WA, 32.6% of the 340 remembered there.
Matt is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Matt is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer in WA was lost to accidents, the 30th heaviest of 70 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 5.
In 2001, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2001, 89 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 39th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Matt was 27. Of the 92 lost to accidents in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46.3; the middle age was 38. Matt had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Matt was 27. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Matt had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Matt was 27. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Matt had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 15.3% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 15.3%. Thursdays: 10.8%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 32.6% of all 340 deaths in WA, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Whatcom County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Matt among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Whatcom County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
