Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

God bless you and your family for your service to the people of Polk County. It's people like you that make it safe for all of us to be able to enjoy the city that we live. And Deputy Speirs here is wishing you a speedy recovery.

Lanny
citizen

October 2, 2006

I HAVE BEEN ON SO MANY CALLS WITH MATT. HE WAS A EXCELLENT DEPUTY AND A VERY GOOD FRIEND TO ALL OF US. D.O.G. WAS A DOG OF ALL DOGS. WE LOVED BOTH OF YOU VERY MUCH. MATT, I KNOW YOU WERE HANDED TO THE LORD BY AN ANGEL. YOU AND D.O.G. GAVE YOUR PRECIOUS LIVES FOR ALL OF US AND I PRAY THAT NANCY AND THE KIDS FIND PEACE ONCE AGAIN. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED, RESPECTED AND VERY MISSED.

DEPUTY LAURIE HILLSGROVE #3841
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 2, 2006

THINKING OF ALL YOUR FAMILY, FRIEND, AND COWORKERS. IT IS ALWAYS A SAD DAY WHEN ONE OF OUR HERO'S LEAVES US THIS WAY.
YOU ARE NOW PART OF A FAMILY THAT WILL HELP YOU THROUGH THIS. JEAN BLYLER MOTHER OF DEPUTY JOSH BLYLER EOW 05/02/04

JEAN BLYLER
CONCERNS OF POLICE SURVIVORS

October 2, 2006

A brother that responded to another brother's call for help!! Need I say more being a 2-dog K-9 Officer before taking the Sgt position!

Questions?


Why do you put that thing over your heart
Before each tour of duty, you do start?


Why do you work so much
And miss my parties and such?


When I go to bed at night, most of the time your away

I hope you will be home soon, and this time you must
stay!


Why are the bad guys the ones that you chase
Is it to make our world a much safer place?


What is the title of your job, is it Agent, Sheriff
or Cop?
If it is any of these law enforcement people, please
don't stop!


There is only one reason for us to feel safe,
Knowing that people like you are in place!





Inspired by the questions asked by the author's young daughter prior to going out on a K-9 search. Tony Laforet-Philadelphia Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit.
Dedicated to all the heros who so bravely gave their
all everyday-and respond -without knowing!!

Sgt Tony Laforet
Philadelphia Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

The policeman stood and faced his God,
which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining
just as brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
No Lord. I guess I ain't.
Because those who carry badges
can't always be a saint.



I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough...
and sometimes I've been violent
because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny
that wasn't mine to keep...
though I worked a lot of overtime
when the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
among the people here.
They never wanted me around
except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
it needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much.
But if you don't...I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
where the saints had often trod,
as the policeman waited quietly
for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman.

You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.
You've done your time in hell."

Deputy Meredith Ward
Gulf County Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

The righteous shall go into life eternal.
Matthew 24:46

Wife of LPD Detective
wife of Largo Police homicide detective

October 2, 2006

The righteous shall go into life eternal.
Matthew 24:46

wife of Largo Police homicide detective

October 2, 2006

My heart goes out to the family, friends, and co-workers of Deputy Williams. GOD bless the family and fellow brothers and sisters at the Polk County Sheriffs Office during this hard time.

Deputy John S. Wilson
Clare Co Sheriff, Michigan

October 2, 2006

Words cant even express how you feel when you hear something so awful has happened. The Polk Co Sheriff's Office and Deputy Williams Family is in my families thoughts and prayers! A special prayer goes out to the Dispatchers that were working and that have worked with him. We care more than an officer realizes about their safety. Just know Polk Co S.O. now has a new ANGEL looking down on them. Deputy Williams you're now 10-7 10-42, but you will always be 10-8 in the hearts of those you touched.

Sarah Wheeler, Dispatch Supervisor
Columbia Co Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

Turning my head and eyes toward you. Bringing my right hand up to the correct position in one smart motion without any preparatory movement.
Raising my hand until the tip of my forefinger touches the outer edge of my eyebrow . My fingers are together and straight, and my thumb is snug along the hand in line with the fingers. My hand, wrist and forearm are straight, forming a straight line from my elbow to my fingertips. My upper arm is horizontal to the ground.
the salute...
a gesture given ....as a token of my respect
rest in peace

Michael Collins
Phila Police

POLICEMAN MICHAEL COLLINS
PHILA POLICE DEPT

October 2, 2006

Matt,
You are our pack leader. We run where you run, we chase what you chase, you lead and we follow. Words cannot describe what we lost the day you fell. I will always remember you my friend, and miss you deeply. Your time here on Earth was far to short. "La Famila Intocable"! (The untouchable family).

Diogi,
We will all miss the "wild child" in you. You performed beyond the call of duty for your friend. You gave your life to save lives. May you always have a new bottle to crush. You will always be remembered.

D/S / K-9 Handler Tyson Choquette
Polk County Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

May you rest in peace brother. You fought the good fight and now you can enjoy your reward in a peaceful place, together with your loyal companion and back-up Diogi! May God grant peace to your family during this difficult time.

DEPUTY SHERIFF
St. Johns County S.O.

October 2, 2006

Matt, I want to say two things to you:I'm sorry and thank you. First, I'm sorry for ever taking for granted that I would see and work with you again. But, I thank you for your sacrifice that has reminded me to never take that for granted with anyone I love and respect ever again. Again, I'm sorry and Thank You.

J. E. Sheffield, CPSp
Fl. Dept. of Corrections-Probation/Parole

October 2, 2006

Deputy Williams, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. please be with all of your brothers in law enforcement as we carry on doing our duty. we lost one of our brothers in August due to gunfire. To the Deputies and family of Deputy Williams, at this time as hard as it may be, try to be strong. He will be there with you 24/7. His loss is deeply felt nationwide. He is a true Hero! my thoughts and prayers are with the Polk Co. Sheriff's Office and to Deputy Williams's family.

Deputy Worrell
Montgomery Co. Sheriff's Office, Va

October 2, 2006

To the family of Officer Williams,
I have gone to school with Chris since Polk City Elementary and I remember meeting officer Williams through school functions. I had just seen officer Williams on September 22 at a Lake Gibson football game I attended with a friend, it is hard for me to think that he is gone. I just want your family to know that I personally, and all of Polk City appreciate his service and his sacrafice. He will never be forgotten, and you are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless you in this difficult time.

October 2, 2006

Rest easy brother, we'll walk the point from here!!!

Ofc. J. Seabron K9 partner "Apollo"
Oceanside P.D.

October 2, 2006

I am deeply touched by this your death. I send my deepest condolences and prayers for your family. I'm am 25 years old and I didn't know who you were before that day but I will never forget you.

citizen

October 2, 2006

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You and your partner will both always be remembered. You are both an important part of history now.

An Ohio LEO spouse

October 2, 2006

Our thoughts are with your family and your department...thank you for your service.

Officer
Louisville (CO) Police Department

October 2, 2006

MRS. WILLIAMS,

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOU LOSS. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I DON’T KNOW WHO WROTE THE POEM BELOW, BUT I TRULY BELIEVE THERE IS A SPECIAL PLACE IN HEAVEN FOR HEROES HERE ON EARTH. MATT IS MOST CERTAINLY THERE WITH ALL THE HEROES BEFORE HIM AND WILL BE THERE GREET THOSE WHO FOLLOW.

STELLA DAVIS



NEW BEAT

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

An angel He directs to find
For each his own kind
For those that have gone before
To lead him now to the new shore.

An officer Angel did lead the way
A fellow officer to his new day
The officer's new beat found
to God's own officer's ground.

God bless all those before, those now, and the ones he will call.

STELLA DAVIS

October 2, 2006

May you and your partner Rest In Peace,may we always remember the loss of two Heros from the Thin Blue Line.

Officer Thomas Wiederhold #1890
Fort Worth Police,Tx

October 2, 2006

You gave the ultimate sacrifice, may god be with you and your family.....your a true hero

My Brother

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was idealistic and believed he could make a difference.
He was immensely proud of the uniform and the badge and whatthey represent.
He felt privileged to be of service to his department, his
community and to his country.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was friendly, courteous, and polite, yet firm.
He laughed and joked, but was serious when necessary.
He was competent, trained, and professional.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He had a strong sense of right and wrong and became
frustrated when true justice became sidetracked.
He felt the sharp criticism that goes with the job, but he
never wavered.
He stood by and for his fellow officers.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He longed for his family during the long hours.
He worried about them during his shifts and the lonely
weekends,holidays and midnights when they were apart.
He felt guilty about the lost time, but knew his calling
and prayed they would understand.

He was a cop.

Although I never met him, I knew him.
He was a good son, a loving husband, and a devoted father.
He was dedicated to the profession and cared about the
people he served.
He wanted to do the best job that he could and strived to
be the best he could be.
He was a good citizen and a good neighbor.

He was a cop.

Yes, I did know him.
He was a cop, he was my brother.

Michael Faustini

October 2, 2006

Having worked with police officers for nearly 24 years, it is never easy to lose any of them, whether it be through sickness, retirement, or just moving on but there is something especially heart-breaking when they are called up to sacrifice their all at the hands of a criminal. My prayers are for all his family who are suffering and to those men and women who worked with him throughout his 12 years. I also mourn the loss of K9 Diogi because he gave devoted service to his best friends. I also extend to the injured deputy my hopes for a recovery that will perhaps be long in coming but will leave him stronger for having survived.

Analyst Mary Buck
Clarksville TN Police Department

October 2, 2006

God has promoted two more soldiers for his force. We can only hope to be as fortunate as our lost brothers for now they will serve under the most powerful law enforcemnt of all. Deputy Williams ans Diogi now have a much greater assignment. God remember you are getting the best we have to offer. Deputy Williams and Diogi serve us proud like you did on earth. God Bless

Ptl. Roger Carroll
Clarksville Police Dept. Tennessee

October 2, 2006

Dear matt, Thankyou for your extreme dedication to the citizens of Florida, especially to the citizens of Polk County. Mrs Williams may GOD bles you and your wonderful children, they will be your strength.

D/S L. Gutierrez
Martin County Sheriff's Office (Florida)

October 2, 2006