Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My family extends our thoughts and prayers to Matt's family. Out deparment hosted the Indiana NAPWDA Fall Workshop, and during our Public K-9 Demonstration, we paid tribute to Matt and his K-9 partner. You will never be forgotten, may you rest in peace.

K-9/Ptl. Doug Taylor / K-9 Rico
Lawrenceburg (IN) Police

October 9, 2006

I knew Matt when he was a teenager. I followed his career because he was another Polk City man serving his community and country. I recently reurned to Law Enforcement in Polk County and wanted to catch up with him. I never had that opportunity. I learned a valuable lesson that day, don't take things for granted. To his family, I am proud and honored that I knew your father and husband. I will remember Matt not only in his PCSO uniform, but also as ball player at the PC little league field. There are no words that I can say to heal the hurt. I will always have the great memories and the knowledge that he is serving our Lord at this moment.

Bill Fienga CPSO
FDOC/ Polk City Resident

October 9, 2006

Police Officer's Prayer to St. Michael and the Protector of Souls.
Saint Michael, Heaven's glorious commissioner of police, who once so neatly and successfully cleared God's premises of all its undesirables, look with kindly and professional eyes on your earthly force.

Give us cool heads, stout hearts, and uncanny flair for investigation and wise judgement.

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children, and law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores, strict with law-breakers and impervious to temtations.

You know, Saint Michael, From your own experiences with the devil, that the police officer's lot on earth is not always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be proud to guard the throne of God as we have been to guard the city of all the people.

Amen.

Cpl. S. Bellesfield
Florida

October 9, 2006

to the family of deputy matt williams
i just wanted to let you know you are all in my prayers.I recently watched the funeral for deputy williams and saw the horrible pain friends and family is going through.I just wanted to let you know it will get better with time.HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN but the pain of his loss will slowly get better.its been almost 4 years since my uncle james shields was killed in buffalo NY.HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN but dealing with his death has gotten alot easier his children are doing wonderful.I just wanted to say i am sorry about your loss but at the same time i want to thank you NANCY and the kids for stading by deputy williams as he was out everyday at work so me and my children could sleep peacefully knowing people like deputy williams and my uncle are out there protecting us.

niece of james shields buffalo pd.
niece of fallen james shields

October 9, 2006

As I read this and watched the news clips, I remembered the pain I felt losing our dad. But I also remember how proud I was and still am of the amazing hero he was while he was with us all. May God bless you and guide you through this time of loss and saddness. You lost two amazing heroes that will never be forgotten. Our family mourns with you and you will always be in our prayers.

Amy Uribe
Proud Wife of PPD Det. A.C. Uribe 7357
Proud Daughter In Law of Fallen Hero PPD Ofc.
D.C. Uribe 4276, E.O.W. 5/10/2005

Adam & Amy Uribe
Phoenix PD

October 8, 2006

To the family of Deputy Sheriff Vernon Matthew (Matt) Williams,
I hope that you may find peace in this very difficult time. I am sorry for your loss. May God be with you always, and may His peace find a permanent home in your hearts.

Detective Rich Stone
Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit Task Force

Detective Rich Stone
Salt Lake Area Metro Gang Unit Task force (Home agency Murray City PD)

October 8, 2006

Matt was not only my hero, he was my brother. He was the rock of our family. He will never be forgot for all the lives he touched. I love you Matt and i will take care of our family.

Joe Williams
Brother

October 8, 2006

although I never met you, I have not been able to get you off of my mind since September 28th. I will never forget the sacrifice that you and DiOGi made that fateful day. Rest in Peace.

K9 Officer
Iowa

October 8, 2006

Matt you were a darn good friend, darn good husband and father, and a damn good cop.....we will miss you bro.

Deputy Sheriff Ricky Newman
Polk County Sheriff's Office

October 8, 2006

Thank you for your service, may you rest in peace my brother.

Deputy David Osborne
Leon County Sheriff's Office #408

Deputy David Osborne
Leon County Sheriff's Office

October 8, 2006

Matt and Diogi, thank you for your service and sacrifice, may god bless you and keep watch over your family for all time.

"A Police Officers Prayer"

"Lord I ask For Courage
Courage to face and conquer my own fears...
Courage to take me where others will not go...
I ask for strength
Strength of body to protect others...
And strength of spirit to lead others...
I ask for dedication
Dedication to do my job, to do it well
Dedication to my community
To keep it safe...
Give me lord, concern for others who trust me
And compassion for those who need me...
And plaese Lord
Through it all, be at my side."
author unknown

Officer Sean McLendon
Fort Meade Police Dept. Fort Meade, Fl.

October 7, 2006

Deputy Matt williams and his k9 partner are true heroes. Thank you to the both of you for giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Dawn
resident of Pennsylvania

October 7, 2006

Another police officer gone in the blink of an eye, dying to protect those whom he did not even know. Words cannot express the feelings of your brothers and sisters in arms on this tragic loss...just know this...you will be missed forever and the legacy you leave behind is one that will never be forgotten.

Please watch out over those of us still here continuing on with the job that you so dearly loved and help to ensure that we may go on with our days in order to protect what you died to defend.

God speed brother - you and Diogi will never be forgotten.

Special Agent Bradley Frank
Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco

October 7, 2006

There are no words to express how very sorry I am for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May Matt and Diogi rest in peace.

Rocky Varnadore
Sister In Law of FHP Trooper/Cantonment, FL

October 7, 2006

I, along with other officer's from our agency, attended the funeral services for Deputy Williams and Diogi. It was such an amazing sight to see the massive numbers of officers, firefighters, EMT's, and K-9's at the service. Many people were touched that Tuesday afternoon. Thank you Deputy Williams and Diogi for your relentless dedication and for making the ultimate sacrifice. Your sacrifice has not gone un-appreciated. Thank you again. God Bless the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Lakeland Police Department, and the family of Deputy Williams.

Officer Ryan Martina
Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Capitol Police

October 7, 2006

Deputy Williams and K-9 Diogi,
I watched with a saddened heart as the day unfolded and it is was revealed that you two both lost your lives. I remember as my sadness turned to anger. I wanted so much to respond to the scene and provide whatever support was needed. Thankfully, the suspect was caught and HE chose to die in the woods.
As a former deputy sheriff, I know the relief a deputy feels when a K-9 officer shows up to the scene to provide support. Let face it, 95% of the people K-9 officers respond to, are the baddest of society. Whether its looking for dope or tracking a felony suspect--your job is one of the most dangerous in a sheriffs office.
I did not have the honor of knowing both of you. I salute you and respect the job your team has done throughout your career. Its professionals like yourselves that truely make it an honor to be in the law enforcement profession.

Former Deputy Sheriff, Escambia County
Dept. of Justice, OIG

October 7, 2006

How sorry I was to hear of the ultimate sacrifice that Deputy Matt Williams and his faithful partner Diogi made on that fateful day that our Lord called upon his services in Heaven. Although he will be greatly missed on earth-God in his almighty wisdom has further work and plans for both Matt and Diogi in heaven, but for now he will forever watch over us all and join the Special Ranks of other fallen officers. I wish to extend a heartfelt sympathy for the family and friends Matt & Diogi left behind.

Again my thoughts and prayers will be with Matt's family and friends as well as all in LEO

Deidra Feder
Wife of LEO (Ret. LT BSO)/current patrolmen Ormond Beach PD. Keith Feder

Deidra feder
wife of LEO

October 7, 2006

As we say good bye to two great friends, we wonder "why" some are taken so soon and others left for awhile longer, But our Bible mentions that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ and if we too Know Jesus as our Lord this separation is only teperary, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very hard and difficult time.

John Letchworth, Retired
City Of Winston-Salem

October 7, 2006

I am a Pennsylvania State Trooper, a soldier of the law.

To me is entrusted the honor of the force.

I must serve honestly, faithfully, and if need be, lay down my life as others have done before me, rather than swerve from the path of duty.

It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition.

It is also my duty to be of service to anyone who may be in danger or distress, and at all times so conduct myself that the honor of the force may be upheld.

Rest in peace Deputy WILLIAMS, we'll take the watch from here.

Tpr. Bart JOSEFOWICZ III
PA State Police

October 7, 2006

Thank you brother, we will take it from here. Your sacrifice keeps us going.

Brother in uniform...

October 7, 2006

Rest in peace, brothers. We will take it from here.

Officer Vince Carnes
St. Petersburg Police Department

October 7, 2006

For over an hour I read the articles in 'The Ledger', looked at the pictures, and cried through the video footage of your funeral. A beautiful tribute for two HEROS! I not only cry for your family, your community, your fellow officers and dispatchers, I cry for you Officer Williams and beautiful Diogi. These wounds will never heal completely, but my tears will cease as will those of your loved ones. Smiles and laughter will come...This I can promise.

Take care of each other and always remember that your guardian angels Matt and Diogi are watching over you, protecting you and wiping (licking) your tears.

Michigan

October 6, 2006

Thank you.

Nathaniel Olbrysh
Citizen

October 6, 2006

Matt and Diogi,

May you rest in peace. I was at the funeral and witnessed the brotherhood stand together behind Deputy Williams and his family. The only comfort was knowing that the suspect who took them from his family was killed...

Deputy Sudbrink
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, FL

Deputy Brian Sudbrink
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Fl

October 6, 2006

My thoughts and prayers to those who knew and now miss Deputy Williams.

May God lay His healing hands upon the family.

Retired Captain Joe L. Gilliland
Danville, KY PD

October 6, 2006