Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten. Your family are in our parayers.

Reserve Officer
Jacksonville, FL Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

I never met you but we shared a bond that nobody could ever understand without walking in our shoes. Being a K9 handler to me is the most rewarding job in the police field.
When you take this position you find out right away about the dedication needed to perform the duty of one.
As sad as the circumstances are, I want the family to know that Matt was doing the thing he loved most about his job, serving his fellow man by being a K9 handler. Matt, may you forever live in the hearts of your family and friends and one day be reunited in heaven with them. My thoughts and prayers to all involved. Tim Pappas and K9 Laser Cincinnati P.D. Ohio

P.O. Tim Pappas
Cincinnati Police K9 Unit

October 2, 2006

Would like to thank Deputy Williams and his partner, Diogi, for their service to the residents of Polk County. My thoughts are with his wife and family along with all of our "Brothers in Blue" May God bless them both.

Jack K Richards
Ocean City Maryland Police Dept

October 2, 2006

To the family of Deputy Williams, both at work and at home, I know this loss is horrific and all of our prayers are with you at the loss of Vernon, and Diogi who, though a dog, was family, too.

Deputy Williams has gotten a lot of praise on these pages from those who knew him, which speaks volumes of his character and courage.

May they both Rest in Peace.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.

October 2, 2006

Deputy Williams and K-9 Diogi, you are in our hearts and you will always be in our prayers. God Bless the peacekeepers. To the family of Deputy Williams, it wasn't long ago that we felt this pain, may god help see you through your pain.

Wife of a Deputy
Marion County (FL) Sheriff's Office

October 2, 2006

Thank you for your dedication and service Deputy Williams. God bless you, your K-9 Diogi, and your family. Rest in Peace Brother

Lt Rick Stonebreaker
OAG/MFCU

October 2, 2006

We will miss you, and promise to take care of your family.Another couple of heroes in heaven to watch over us. I have spent the last 37 years with two parents in Law Enforcement and prayed each and everyday for their safety. Although we know the risks it never quite sinks in until something like this happens. Thank you for your service Matt and Diogi, and Thank you to all LEO's for putting on that badge everyday and risking it all for the people.
Amanda

Amanda Frias
friend of Williams Family and daughter of LEO

October 2, 2006

I remember Matt as a young boy who played baseball with my two sons. His parents I have known since I was a young child. What he did was indicative of the young boy that I remember and his love for animals showed then as well. It is only fitting that the two of them be together in their final resting place. God will now take care of both. May God's love be with all of your family.

Glenda Childs White
(Mom of Phillip & Tim Hughes-baseball buddies)

Family Friend

October 2, 2006

My thots are with the family of D/S Matt Williams and D/S Diogi. Your men will never be forgotten.

Officer
SPD

October 1, 2006

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE AND DEDICATION TO PROTECTING THE CITIZENS OF POLK COUNTY. YOUR SACRIFICE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MAY YOU AND DIOGI BE AT PEACE, TOGETHER.

MARSHA TYNON

October 1, 2006

Officer Williams,

Thank you for your brave service. I know you are watching over us from a much better place.


Semper Fi

Investigator

October 1, 2006

Deputy Williams and his canine partner, Diogi’s deaths, have profoundly effected me. My complacency about the inherent danger that law enforcement face was realized Thursday September 28, 2006,when Deputy Williams and his beloved Diogi, gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives. What I want Deputy Williams’ family to know is that there are good people in this world. People like me who value life, and value those that serve and protect. My prays go out to his wife and three children.

Sandie
resident of Polk County

October 1, 2006

To the friends and family of Deputy Williams I am very sorry about his passing. Although I did not know Deputy Williams my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God Bless You... And remember he will always be with you watching from a higher place.

officer galbraith
sarasota police department

October 1, 2006

I am the one who is honored and priviledged to know Matt and Diogi. I am proud to call you (both) a friend. I thank God for me being sick on September 28 and not able to go to work. I saw you online and "something" told me to say hi. I'm thankful we had one last goofy conversation. You are an amazing man, devoted to your family, the best friend anyone could wish for, and a true hero in all aspects of life. Your ability to make any situation a funny one always impressed me. You were always willing to help and wanted to help. Every call, every K-9 demo was performed professionally and proudly. When you were around there was never a dull moment. You leave behind an amazing legacy and an uncountable amount of hilarous memories for your friends to share.
I know you're watching down on us from above. You were never one to miss out on the action.
I am praying for the Williams family and will continue to for years to come. I know what an amazing person they lost here on earth but I also know that he is taking care of them from above.

Amy
Former Polk County Sheriff's Office Member

October 1, 2006

Mrs. Williams,
There are no words that I can really say that will be of comfort to you right now. As a Widow of a Deputy killed in the line of duty last year, Lake County Deputy Wayne Koester EOW 02-09-2005, I know only too well what you are experiecing and feeling right now and my heart breaks for you and your family. Your husband's circumstances are so very near to my own husbands death ( the woods, the manhunt, etc.). My only comfort for you right now is that you will never have to wait for a trial, for my husband's killer is still awaiting sentencing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. It took me a long time before I was able to come to this site and read the reflections that were left from our family, friends, and complete strangers. Now, I come to this site everyday, I still shed my tears. But, I know without a doubt, how very loved and respected he was by so many. Jjust as I know it is the same for Matt. I know your husband shared the same qualities as mine and if given another chance, they would so the same job again, a job so few are able and have the courage to do. They are a very special breed of men and there are few like them.
Always remember how much your husband loved you and your children. Dont be afraid to call your family and friends when you dont feel like getting out of bed. Let them help you. That is where you can find your support. Your children, is where you will find your strength to put one foot in front of the other. Children are remarkable gifts from God. Love them, cherish them and reflect on the memories you have as often as you can. Always, always remember, He is in your heart forever.
I left this song on my husbands site and I'd like to leave it to you. Wayne and Matt were our hero's long before they became americas. But hero's for a very different reasons. For every special smile they gave us, for those extra "just because" hugs and kisses, for the many I love you's that truly touched every fiber in our being, every time they made the kids laugh and for every time they watched a movie or played a game with them.
For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all


You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me


You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you


You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me


You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you


You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me


I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

Deputy Ashley Koester
Widow of Lake County Deputy Wayne Koester Eow 02-09-2005

October 1, 2006

Matt you will be missed everyday. On that horrible day we all lost a brother and the citizens of Polk County lost a hero. Your memory will never be forgotten and we will continue the fight for you from here. May you rest in peace brother.

D/S J. Wyant
Polk County Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2006

May God Bless Deputy Williams and Diogi. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Officer
Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Capitol Police

October 1, 2006

My heart goes out to the men and women of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. I grew up in Polk County, attended college at Florida Southern, and became an agent with the Secret Service all thanks to my experiences as a Polk County Sheriff's Explorer. I'd like to thank Deputy Williams and Diogi for their dedication to my community and their ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Polk County. I'd especially like to send my condolences to Deputy William's wife and 3 children and to let them know his death was not in vain.

Special Agent
United States Secret Service

October 1, 2006

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his freinds. John 15:13
Matt has lived this testimony to the fullest. May he be remembered with all honor due to his sacrifice.

Deputy Vikki Arneault
ST Johns Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2006

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his freinds. John 15:13
Matt has lived this testimony to the fullest. May he be remembered with all honor due to his sacrifice.

Deputy Vikki Arneault
ST Johns Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2006

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his freinds. John 15:13
Matt has lived this testimony to the fullest. May he be remembered with all honor due to his sacrifice.

Deputy Vikki Arneault
ST Johns Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2006

As I sat with my family on the 28, my birthday,it was a very bitter sweet day for me when I saw the news. Thank you for you courage, duty,love,and sacrifice for the community brother. For all my birthdays that the Lord will let me see from here on out, I will always say a special prayer for you and your family on that day. You will never be forgotten in my house and by all other brothers who put on the shield everyday! We love you Matt and God Bless You. Thank you again for everything!

Deputy Jeff Outlar
Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Colorado

October 1, 2006

Thank you for your service and dedication. May you rest in peace, Sir! You will never be forgotten.

Police Officer

October 1, 2006

Words will never describe the sorrow we feel for the family of Matt's family. Our hearts go out to you, as we lost one of our own recently as well. It takes a special and brave person to do this job. We thank you for being a part of this special brotherhood and for sacrificing your life to protect us and our families. Matt, may you rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.

CORPORAL
LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

October 1, 2006

Matt & Diogi,
There are no words that can express the sorrow felt by your brothers and sisters, in law enforcement. Some of us were on duty just miles away, when God called you home. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family now. I pray that God comforts your family as only God can. Your dedication to your family and brothers and sisters in law enforcement will never be forgoten. You touched so many lives, while God allowed you to be with us. Know this, your family will be watched over. I will be there on Tuesday brother. I will see you again soon brother, when God calls me home.

Off. Harry Anderson #144
Auburndale Pd

October 1, 2006