Heroic Sgt Matt Ratana Remembered as ‘Lion-Hearted’ Leader at Funeral
Lion-Hearted Leader with a Big Heart
Commissioner Cressida Dick paid a moving tribute to Sgt Matt Ratana, calling him a “fantastic, professional police officer” and a “brilliant Sergeant and leader.” Described as a supremely loyal colleague and true team player, Matt mentored generations of officers, from rookies to veterans.
She said Matt’s secret was his “lovely nature and big, generous, lion’s heart.” After 25 years, his energy was as fierce as on his very first day. “Who else would do a night shift at Wood Green, grab a huge Turkish breakfast on Green Lanes, then head back for another night shift?” she added.
Calm, Clever, and Quick on His Feet
Matt had a quiet but commanding presence. He never shouted or showed off. Calm and cool under pressure, he was quick to assess danger, protect others, or seize crime-fighting opportunities. A strict disciplinarian, he set high standards without embarrassing anyone, often offering quiet advice or encouragement instead.
His unwavering fairness meant he treated everyone equally—from homeless people and crime victims to garage workers and even members of the Royal Family. Colleagues remember his random acts of kindness, like carrying a little boy at a football match to sit in the manager’s seat on his birthday.
From New Zealand to London’s Frontline
Born in New Zealand, Matt’s varied life included working as a tennis coach in the US before settling in London in 1989. Through rugby, he met officers and joined the Met in 1991. Matt quickly proved a natural fit, rising to be a respected class captain at Hendon and representing the Met in rugby and tennis.
Matt’s career spanned frontline roles in Westminster, Hillingdon, Hackney, Croydon, and even public order policing with the Territorial Support Group. He carried a firearm, led pro-active operations, and became a master of public order tactics—trusted by commanders tackling London’s toughest protests and events like Notting Hill Carnival.
Known as the “Sheriff of South Norwood,” Matt wasn’t afraid to break rules to get the job done. Once, when trapped in a tense crowd during a protest, he stunned onlookers with a Haka dance, diffusing the situation and keeping his team safe.
Legacy of Leadership and Kindness
Matt earned numerous commendations, including praise for safely helping arrest a man armed with a gun and knife off-duty. Yet even those he arrested left with a handshake. He was a passionate community cop who loved working “on the front foot” to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
In his last years, Matt worked in custody suites, turning a part of the building into a gym to boost his team’s wellbeing. On the night he died, he was excitedly showing colleagues the new facility—always focused on the future.
Commissioner Dick thanked Matt’s wife Su and family for their support, saying his impact will live on “in all those he has trained, encouraged, and inspired.” She finished with a heartfelt farewell from his team: “We’ll take it from here, Sarg.”
