Holly MatkinBartow County, GA – Bartow County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Deputy Matt Aliberti died at his home on June 22 due to medical issues, according to his department.
The BCSO confirmed the 39-year-old deputy’s sudden passing later in the day.
“It is with great sadness and heartache that we report the loss of Deputy Matt Aliberti,” the department said in a Facebook post. “He passed away at home this morning due to medical issues.”
Deputy Aliberti served six years in the U.S. Army before he joined the BCSO in 2016.
His friend, Corbett James, described him as a “war hero,” and said Deputy Aliberti lost a “dear friend” while serving in Iraq.
“He suffered physical injuries from his service, but he refused to claim any disability because he felt as though he didn’t deserve it,” James wrote in a Facebook post. “That’s the kind of man he was. Free money sitting on a table, and he didn’t take it because others needed it.”
“Looking back at this whole thing now, I am a better man after this time with him,” he wrote. “There are only a handful of people in your life that have a profound impact on the person you are. Matt was one of those people to me. A modest warrior who helped anyone and everyone he could. The world lost a hero.”
Deputy Aliberti was a person who confronted challenges head-on, according to his obituary.
“He pushed to be the best at everything that was placed in his path,” the tribute read. “Matt excelled as a deputy, a S.W.A.T. Team member, a sniper, and a K-9 handler. He was a loving father, a devoted husband, a brave soldier, a trusted mentor, a humble warrior, and so much more to many.”
The BCSO said Deputy Aliberti will be remembered for his positive attitude and his sense of humor.
“[He] was a true pleasure to work with,” the department said. “Please keep the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office and his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.”
Deputy Aliberti leaves behind his wife, Jessie, as well as his daughters, seven-year-old Michaela and two-year-old Delilah, and his stepson, 13-year-old Zackery, according to a fundraising page established to help his family in the wake of their sudden loss.
He is also survived by his parents, brother, niece, nephew, and his “faithful K-9 partner, Halo,” according to his obituary.
Deputy Aliberti was laid to rest on June 26.
The patrol car of Bartow County Deputy Matt Aliberti, 39, stands as a memorial in front of the sheriff's office in Cartersville. Alberti died at his home Monday due to medical issues. He leaves behind a wife Jessie; daughters Michaela, Delilah and stepson Zackery Green. pic.twitter.com/1i7PQ9SuE1
— Rome News Tribune (@romenewstribune) June 22, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matt Aliberti, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
