Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I will never forget, miss you man. You’re truly a hero. 18 years later and I think of you every day.

5138K

October 19, 2024

Never met you but your t-shirt sits in Daddy's closet. As Momma and Luke go into the line of duty I pray that you watch over them. I hope that you and Pawpaw have been laughing in Heaven together since his passing. You are missed each and every day by the people in your life.

A family member
Great-niece

December 4, 2023

The more I read about the case, the more I just can't believe how brutal a life could've been taken this quickly. God Bless you up in heaven. You will forever be one of Polk County's finest

Victor G
police supporter

August 25, 2023

I remember this day like it was yesterday. My son was at the Kathleen High School which is down the road and the school went on lockdown. It was the scariest day of my life and my heart just breaks for Mr. Williams family.

Tabitha
Resident

June 13, 2023

I remember that day and the events after that day I never met deputy Williams but I do salute him and his K-9 whenever I go to my grandmas place of rest cause just a few feet over is your resting place as well I just want to thank you

Ray
Citizens

March 15, 2023

Matt you will never be forgotten !!! My kids still remember you allowing them to give DiOGi hand signals as you did the real hand signals above them.

May you both rest in peace !!!

Asst Chief
SouthMiami

September 16, 2022

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Williams. And To K-9 Diogi. Two heroes forever inscribed as Sunshine State heroes!

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 25, 2021

Rest in peace and always know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

September 28, 2020

Hey Matt,
Your in my thoughts every so often. The many times we would go have breakfast right after roll-call, the times we would patrol looking for areas to run radar, our trip to Ybor City with Nancy and Debbie. You getting on the mechanical bull to show us how it is done.
Way too many memories and yes, you left this earth to early leaving behind fond memories.
You were an awesome husband, father, friend and co-worker. Many hours spent just talking about life, past and present.
Now here we are many years later, who could have predicted what was in our futures.........
Love ya brother
Rest in Peace
Kelvin Cruz Sr

Ex-Tactical Drug Unit Detective #4729
Polk County Sheriffs Office

April 6, 2020

Sad situation I remember it like it was yesterday SWAT was everywhere school was on lockdown but I wonder why they never released the article of what really happened y’all know who really shot and killed them

Angry Townsman
Lakeland Resident

September 25, 2019

Sad situation I remember it like it was yesterday SWAT was everywhere school was on lockdown but I wonder why they never released the article of what really happened y’all know who really shot and killed them

Angry Townsman
Lakeland Resident

September 25, 2019

I vividly remember this day. My son was 10 at the time and we spoke in great depth about Matt and Diogi and the incident. Matt, you are the inspiration and the very reason my son wears the uniform today with great pride . You will forever be remembered. ⚫️

Mother of a Polk County Deputy Jennifer
Polk County Sheriff’s Department

September 8, 2018

Rest in Peace Deputy, You and Your K9

Chaplain Brian L Donald
State of Georgia

August 23, 2018

Happy Birthday Matt. Your are missed everyday.
#amanremeberedneverdies

Christine Speirs

March 28, 2018

Matt,
I remember coming home from school to my dad watching the news and in tears when they said a K9 deputy was shot. He had his radio on hoping that everything would have ended differently. You are a friend to my family that will always be missed and your K9 partner Diogi.

MASN Rhodes, Michael
NSF

August 9, 2017

Deputy Williams, I didn't know you, but I remember when this happened I was heartbroken. As someone who worked in (and now lives in) Polk county, your sacrifice means the world to me. Please continue watching over your PCSO brothers. God speed.

Jimmy Russ
Citizen

November 17, 2016

The Sheriffs of Florida and their deputies will never forget the sacrifice you and your family made to uphold our laws and protect society.

Your name has been inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs and the National Law Enforcement Memorial and in our hearts. May you forever rest in peace.

A scripture inscribed on the Florida Sheriffs Law Enforcement Memorial:

"Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called the children
of God." Matthew 5:9

Executive Director Steve Casey
Florida Sheriffs Association

August 20, 2016

Matt,
You have been missed everyday by the people who were lucky enough to know and love you. Scott, Robbie, Shawn and I talk about the old days often. You are always in our hearts and thoughts as well as Diogi and Rocky. Thank you for being the hero that you are!

Robert and Shawn
PCSO

January 23, 2016

Merry Christmas Officer Williams and Diogi. You are always remembered in our hearts.

Deputy J Bemis
Oakland County Sheriff's Office

December 16, 2015

I have not forgotten my brother. I take things you taught me everyday with me to work. I think about you daily and reflect on your life as a light that shines brighter by the day. You faced evil face to face and did not back away. You are truly one of God's greatest creations friend. I WILL see you again. La Familia Intocable

Former Deputy Sheriff Bobby Boehmler
U.S. Gov't K9 Handler

September 30, 2013

RIP Matt. You were a good cop!

T Parrish
Hines Energy

September 13, 2013

RIP brother. I wear your shirt with pride and tell your story when folks ask me about it.

Floyd Mullens, Sr.
Federal Correctional Institution, El Reno, Oklahoma

September 28, 2012

Yet another year has come and gone and you are still and always will be missed. While out patroling today "Fivo" and I stopped by and just hung out at your final resting place. We will always remember! RIP Matt and DiOGi!

D/S Kenny Knox
PCSO K9

September 28, 2012

Continue to think of you and honor your memory. Miss you always. La Familia!

Master Deputy Tyson Choquette
Polk County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2012

I never met you Matt but I am thinking of you and Diogi today on the sixth anniversary of your deaths.

Fellow handler in London

Police Constable

September 28, 2012