Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Soft and safe to thee my Brother, be thy earthly bed. Bright and beautiful be thy rising from it. With fragrance eternal may the sprig of acacia ever here flourish. May the earliest buds of spring unfold their beauties o'er thy resting place, and here the sweetness of the summer's last rose linger longest. Though the cold blasts of winter may lay them in the dust, and for a time destroy their loveliness, yet their fading is not final; for in the springtime they shall surley bloom again. So, my brother, in the bright morning of the world's resurrection, thy mortal frame now laid in the dust, shall come again in newness of life, and expand in immortal beauty in realms beyond the skies. Until then, my brother, until then, Farewell.

Lieutenant Johnny Surles, Retired
North Carolina Highway Patrol

October 3, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family today, you will not be forgotten. May you and your partner watch closely over the brothers left behind and may your family be left with many happy and proud memories of you. Rest in Peace, God be with your family.

Ashley--Dispatcher
SPD

October 3, 2006

Although we worked at the same agency, I never had the opportunity to meet Matt but my heart still breaks for his family as well as the feeling of losing a "brother". I went to the funeral today and I have to say it was AMAZING! To see all the different agencies that attended, from inside the state of Florida to agencies as far away as Rhode Island and Minnesota, all come together and support one another and provide in any way they can. I feel so honored to be an officer of the law in this great country we live in. My prayers continuously go out to the Williams family. Someday, Matt, we will finally be able to meet.

Deputy Sheriff Leanne O'Dell
Polk County Sheriff's Office

October 3, 2006

DEPUTY WILLIAMS AND K-9 DIOGI, MAY GOD BLESS AND WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

REST IN PEACE BROTHERS

TROOPER DAN SNYDER
NEW YORK STATE POLICE -K9 UNIT

October 3, 2006

We here in Montgomery share in your grief, as we also lost an Officer a few days ago. Ours happened under the same circumstances(routine traffic stop). Please know many prayers are being offered up for the Family, friends & fellow Officers as they go through this difficult time.
God Bless,

Daughter of a Policeman
Montgomery, AL

Daughter of a Policeman
Citizen(Montgomery, AL)

October 3, 2006

Though I never personally knew Matt Williams or Diogi, I am torn deeply by his death. To his family, I wish peace and love throughout this difficult time. To Matt and Diogi, THANK YOU. That is all I can saw. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. You will never be forgotten.

Draven Scott
County Resident

October 3, 2006

I live in Lakeland , and I am proud to know we have officers out there like Deputy Williams. I was very touched by the outpouring of respect by the citizens of Lakeland and also his coworkers. My daughter attends Mckeel Academy which was one of the schools that was on lock down. She was a little scared of the situation but never doubted she was in good hands.Deputy Williams will be sadly missed and my heart goes out to his family.

sheila chamberlain

October 3, 2006

Today you can rest in peace! Its the family who has to take the long journey to recovery. We lift you up in prayer.

October 3, 2006

MATT & DIOGI,
BROTHER, TODAY IS THE DAY WE SAY OUR FINAL EARTHLY GOODBYE TO BOTH OF YOU. JUST LOOK AT ALL OF YOUR CO-WORKERS AND FRIENDS GATHERED AROUND YOUR FAMILY. JUST LOOK AT ALL OF THE LOVE AND SUPPORT AROUND YOUR FAMILY. YOU ARE MISSED HERE ON EARTH, BUT I KNOW YOU ARE LOOKING DOWN ON US, IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SAYING DON'T BE SAD. WE JUST NEED TO REALIZE THAT YOU ARE THE ONE THAT IS TRULEY HOME AND YOU ARE THE ONE WAITING FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO COME ETERNALY HOME, TO HEAVEN.

(Why death itself has no terrors for the servant of the Lord.)

"1) For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2) For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

3) If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4) For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5) Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6) Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

7) (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)

8) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

9) Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12) For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13) For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause."

II CORINTHIANS 5:1-13

OFF. HARRY ANDERSON #144
AUBURNDALE PD

October 3, 2006

The officers and Brethren of Frontier Lodge #28 A.F.&A.M. are saddened to hear of Brother Matt Williams' untimely death. Please accept our heartfelt best wishes for the family and friends of Deputy Williams. I know more than many the dangers law enforcement officers face daily. My father was a patrolman in a small town. His Lodge and his compassion made him an exemplary example for all to see. I understand Brother Matt was engaged in Rainbow. I once attended several meetings of that body and was truly moved. So I know by these least snippets of information I have about him that he will not only be missed, but that his presence will make the world a poorer place. I have not served as a peace officer, but I and two of my 3 sons have served in the military, I in Vietnam and they in Iraq, and I know of the unknown and unseen dangers that lurk there.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and want each of you to know of our good wishes. Also that the Bible promises perfect peace to those who will accept it. May you and yours go always with God.

Sincerely,
Sam J. Whitley, W.M.
Frontier Lodge #28
West Columbia, Texas

Sam J. Whitley
Masonic Brother

October 3, 2006

R.I.P. Brother Officer. God Bless your family, and your agency. You and your K-9 partner are patroling Haven now. Watch over us all that are left behind. To the family of Deputy Williams, your husband/dad died making the world and the community he served a safer place to live in. Thank you Deputy Williams for your service.
NEVER FORGOTTEN!!!

Detective Lionel Garrett
Inglewood Ca. Police Department

October 3, 2006

YOUR OUT OF OUR SIGHT BUT WILL NEVER BE OUT OF OUR MINDS
YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU AND DIOGI BE AT PEACE. MRS WILLIAMS MY GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY TODAY AND EVERY DAY FOWARD

R WHITE DISPATCHER

October 3, 2006

Brother,
you and your partner will never be forgotten. D/S BRP

DEPUTY
V.C.S.O

October 3, 2006

D.S. Williams & Diogi..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time..please watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGELS!!!!

mi state police recruit
detroit

October 3, 2006

No words can describe the pain that all of you are feeling right now. I've been through it, and it's one of the hardest things you'll ever survive ... but survive it, YOU WILL! My prayers are with the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Williams and Deputy Diogi. I pray that you all have the love of God during your time of grief, and from here on out. For the injured deputy ... do believe in the Lord and that he will see you through your pain and your suffering. For all of you that were working during this fateful day, deputies, communicators, and SWAT members ... YOU DID A GREAT JOB! You did what needed to be done regardless of what you were feeling inside, and I know, it's not an easy thing to do. Keep your chin up and your faith strong. Don't deal with this on your own .. let your friends help you.

May God Bless the Williams Family
and ALL at the Polk County Sheriff's Office

In Loving Memory of
Sgt. Jeff T. Hewitt
E.O.W. 04-04-04

Jennifer Mackey
NC LEO Member, Daughter, Sister, and Wife

October 3, 2006

Dear Deputy Williams and Diogi, you two made the ultimate sacrafice for us without giving it a second thought. Your heroism will last a lifetime. Although we didn't know each other, we were family. My deepest sympathy to your family and all of your friends. You and your partner will never be forgotten. God bless you both and thank you.

LINDA - Wife of PCSO Deputy Sheriff
Broward Sheriff's Office/Ret.

October 3, 2006

To Mr. Matt Williams,

You and your K-9 gave the up most sacrifice, laying your life down to protecting the community. Sir, it grieves me and the Law Enforcement community that you were taken, but we will rejoice that you were called to a Higher calling. May our prayers go to the family that are grief stricken for their loss. Sir, thank you for laying your life down to making the streets safer for the community and I give thanks to the other L.E.O's that are out doing their job protecting us. You are gone, but will NOT be forgotten!!

C/O S. BLOM
Florida Correctional Officer

October 3, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you both for your service.

Shannon
Collins Fire Dept. (Mississippi)

October 3, 2006

GOD BLESS YOU DEPUTY WILLIAMS and K-9 "DIOGI" . THE TWO OF YOU WILL KNOW WATCH OVER THE REST OF US. YOUR BRAVERY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BROTHER.

Deputy Vance & K-9 Andy
Leake S.O.

October 2, 2006

"I'll Wait -

A police K9 explained to St. Peter
I'd rather stay here,
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I can’t come in yet, you see,
as my handler and partner is not yet with me.
I’ll be very quiet as I sit and wait,
I'll watch over him and pray that he's late.
Because those who love him dearly,
Still need his protection.
And the ones who don’t know him,
But still need his help.
I'll be very patient and wait,
I'll never let out a whimper or yelp.
I’ll be chewing my celestial bone,
Waiting for my partner to come home.
It would not be right if I went in alone,
For without my partner you see;
It just wouldn't be Heaven to me,
Without crossing the gates
Right by his side.

Matt you and Diogi were able to walk through the pearly gates side by side. Rest in peace brother, we will take it from here. You were a hero for how you lived, not how you died.

LEBA

Law Enforcement Bloodhound Association
International K9 Handlers

October 2, 2006

Matt Williams and Family

I am proud to know you as a friend and a brother. I will miss you. I know that everything is going to be all right. Thank you for your service. Nancy take care of yourself and the family. Matt will live in our memories forever, as well as your family

Detective David Castle
Winter Haven Police Department Florida

October 2, 2006

Thinking of the Williams family and all the officers in Polk County at this hard time. We will keep praying for you all.

Chicago Police Wife

October 2, 2006

Thank you, Brother for your Service and Sacrifice. Your family had been in my families' thoughts and prayers. Just know that as you patrol the golden streets of Heaven with your brave 4-legged partner eternally at your side, we will continue to fight the good fight down here. Your deeds and work will never be forgotten. Go rest high, Brother!!

Deputy K Petrillo
Pasco Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

Matt,

I met you almost ten years ago. Even though we only worked together for a short period of time, we became friends. I think you had that effect on many people, the feeling of instant friendship because of your wonderful personality. I will always cherish my memories of you. It is an honor and a privilege to have known you and to have served by your side. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May you rest in peace brother.

D/S Sandy Tepedino Scherer
Polk County Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

With a heavy heart during a difficult year, I offer my condolences to the family, co-workers, and friends of Deputy Williams. May God give you comfort and strength during this time of sorrow. Matt and Diogi will share a special place reserved only for such heroes as them.

Sergeant
New York State Police

October 2, 2006