Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was in shock when I saw the news. Your job is done here. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace brother.

Deputy Florida

Deputy
Florida Keys Monroe County Sheriff's

October 1, 2006

May you and your partner rest in peace, and may God bless your family at home, and your family in blue.

Officer William Inman
Pell City Police Dept.

October 1, 2006

MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR LOVE ONES AND CO-WORKERS, GREAT JOB LOCATING THE SUSPECT POLK COUNTY SO, JUSTICE WAS SERVED.....

The policeman stood and faced 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 of us who carry a badge
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 awfully 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 time 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 a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

DISPATCH KIM LANKFORD
SOUTHERN PINES PD NC

October 1, 2006

Deputy Williams & Diogi,

You are greatly mourned by your brothers to the north. Nothing more could be asked of either of you.

D/S Williams, we'll take your watch from here. You and Diogi will be together forever in Heaven.

Diogi, You have an endless game of fetch waiting for you with your partner.


Rest in Peace.

D/S J Gabbay
Orange County Sheriff's Office

October 1, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family and the Polk County Sheriffs department during this time of such great loss. Matt and Diogi will always be in our hearts.

Katie Brooks
citizen

October 1, 2006

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Matt and Diogi and their brethen Law Enforcement family. May God be with you all.

Miami Sector K-9 Unit
U.S. Border Patrol

October 1, 2006

The only difference between Heroes and cowards is what Heroes do with their fear.

I hope I will be as strong as you were if faced with the same situation. God bless you in your journey without us. I will see you on the Lord's night shift my friend, dog treats in hand.

Senior Police Officer
Austin Police Department

October 1, 2006

It hurts my heart to see another officer taken away. God guide your family on the loss of dedicated officer and his faithful partner.

officers girlfriend

October 1, 2006

Dear Mrs. Williams and Family,
It is with great sadness in my heart that I send my deepest sympathy. It does not matter what agency or state we are from it only matters to the law enforcement community that one of our brothers has been taken from us. I am sorry for your loss. If you take a step towards God he will take two towards you. God Bless you, your children and your family.

Ofc. Shane Wyrsch
US Forest Service (WA.)

September 30, 2006

We were all very saddened to hear of your passing. We were all happy to hear of the suspects demise. Good luck on you new watch. Take care and I hope to meet you after my tour is over.

Sgt. Geoff Odom
Metro-Nashville Police Department

September 30, 2006

I was preparing to go to work when I turned on the news and watched the events of this tragic day unfold. As I put the brass on my uniform, I cried because, once again, I was putting the mourning band across my badge. In 12 years on the job, I have attended 3 police funerals..3 too many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt's family, friends and co-workers in this very difficult time.

Sgt. Savercool
V.C.S.O.

September 30, 2006

may god bless deputy williams and his k-9 and family as well as all his friend's and co-worker's.they will never be forgotten in the law enforcement family.god bless and r.i.p.

deputy
fairfield county s-o lancaster,ohio

September 30, 2006

Deputy Williams and K-9 Diogi will be greatly missed. May you both rest in peace together

Officer Chapman & K-9 Gage
Chino Valley Police Department AZ

Officer Chapman & K-9 Gage
Chino Valley Police Department AZ

September 30, 2006

Matt and Diogi,
Your couragious service to the citizens of Polk County and the State of Florida will never be forgotten. You both served unselfishly and performed above and beyond the call of duty. Rest in peace brothers.
To the family, always know you are a part of the law enforcement family. Although Matt and Diogi lost their lives there is no way to know how many they have saved during their honorable service. Matt and Diogi are home now and what a homecoming it will be when we all meet again.

Trooper W. Brian Lundy
Florida Highway Patrol

September 30, 2006

My GOd give your family comfort and strenght to go on. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my brother until we me at the throne of God.

Detective Allen Diamond
FT. Lauderdale Police Dept.

September 30, 2006

My deepest sympathy to Deputy Williams' family and to the men and women of the Polk County S.O. I first started as a Florida Highway Patrol State Trooper and actually patrolled Polk County. I made many a "routine" traffic stop in the same neighborhood where Matt was killed. When I heard the news on Thursday of this tragedy and where it was, I couldn't help but think about the times that I was standing right there doing the same thing that those deputies were doing and by the grace of God stayed safe doing it. I wish that I had been there to back them up.

Those guys held their ground and backed each other to the end. That is what makes us a breed apart. We get going when the going gets tough. Those guys and Diogi are true heroes in every sense of the word. When bad guys hurt us we strike back with everything we have. I was proud to see that although we have different color uniforms, drive different colored cars or you call us deputies, officers or troopers, when the call goes out of an officer down we come in full force. No city limit sign or county line will stop us.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of the county have lost an outstanding officer and his partner and they will never be forgotten.

Now they rest together knowing that they did the best they could.

God speed, Deputy Williams and Diogi

Cpl. B.L. Taylor
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Tampa, FL

September 30, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family and the Polk County S.O. because God has chosen to take two of their members home. I never had the privilge to meet Deputy Willaims and K9 Diogi, but with my head held high I would have called them my brother and partner. A K9 partner is much more than a companion, but is part of the family, therefore I mourn for this family because they have lost two of their members. I am sure Matt and Diogi served with pride and honor and will always be remembered that way. I truly hope the Williams know that they are a part of a much larger family than they could imagine and your tears are our tears. I wish Matt and Diogi God Speed as they go to patrol Heaven's streets.

Deputy Shea Bunch
McDuffie County Sheriff's Office (GA)

September 30, 2006

I am so sorry for your loss.

My family is going through a similar tragedy. We lost my cousin Aug. 29, Det. Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Smith (WV).

Cousin of Det. Cpl. Charles "Chuck" Smit

September 30, 2006

My deepest sympathies to Dep. Williams' family, friends and family in blue. We laid one of our own officers to rest this week and I understand the mix of feelings and grief you are dealing with. Know that people across the nation and around the world are saying prayers for all of you, may God bless and comfort each one of you.

Madelyn McKnight
Aurora PD (Colorado) / Records

September 30, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and fellow deputies of Deputy Williams. RIP Brother.

Patrolman William A Mays Jr.
Youngstown (OH) State University PD #428

September 30, 2006

God bless you, your partner, your family, frineds, and department. Thank you for your service.

SPA Geronimo
US Border Patrol

September 30, 2006

There is no doubt in my mind that I am alive today thanks to the countless times that Matt backed me up on many traffic stops. Words can not describe the void felt by myself and the men of women of the Florida Highway Patrol's Lakeland District who came to know Matt as a fellow officer, great lawman, and friend.

Thank you Matt and Diogi for your friendship, the fellowship, and your service to us all!

Trooper L. E. Coggins, Jr. Troop C PIO
Florida Highway Patrol

September 30, 2006

Heroes

Heroes protect and serve with devotion and compassion.
Heroes display bravery and courage with will and might.
Heroes live a life of nobility and honor in quiet modesty.
Heroes are warriors who give of themselves for others.
Heroes are rare but extraordinary, an eternal myth to treasure.
Heroes seek justice with exuberance and vigor.
Heroes live in our hearts and souls with endless endurance.
Heroes, we love you.

Author: unknown

In memory of a Hero, from a friend

September 30, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and department of Deputy Williams. I am very sorry that you must walk this painful journey. Deputy Williams is a hero who will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of the One who created him and loves him for all eternity.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

September 30, 2006

My heart goes out to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, family and friends of Deputy Williams. God bless you all. This is a another tragedy that will never be forgotten. Another police officer and true hero gave his life. Rest easy brother we will take it from here.

Police Officer
Rochester, NY Police Dept

September 30, 2006