Polk County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Thursday, September 28, 2006
Reflections for Deputy Sheriff Vernon Matthew Williams
May God comfort Deputy Williams' family, fellow officers, loved ones, and friends. It is with great sadness that he lost his life in such a manner, and that someone would rob his family of a wonderful future together. He and Diogi did truly make the ultimate sacrifice. Many of us care deeply and we will never forget. Thank you Sir for what you did all those years to help keep the streets a safer place. It is with such regret that you had to give your life to see that happen.
Julie Parramore, RN, BSN
Concerned Citizen
September 29, 2006
may god be with you and your family.
September 29, 2006
some people will never understand how we as law enforcement feel when this happens. to the family of deputy williams, although i never met him, rest assured i loved him like a brother. only those in this job will understand what i mean....god be with the family, friends and deputies of polk county.
sgt. p.m. spurlock
September 29, 2006
God be with you brother. Rest in peace.
Indianapolis PD
September 29, 2006
A TRUE AMERICAN HERO,REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND.
LT. CAROLLO
NYPD
September 29, 2006
With deepest sympathy.
Gerry & Joann Letzo
Pottsville, Pa. 17901
Gerald Letzo, retired patrolman
Pottsville P.D, Pottsville, Pa.
September 29, 2006
God bless to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Williams and his K-9 partner, RIP and thank you for your service.
mjw643
September 29, 2006
I heard about what happened to this fine officer.
Prayers go out to the family, friends, and the whole community.
Support each other through this terrible ordeal.
Lots of love,
Aurora Chavez
Riverside, CA
Aurora Chavez
So CA resident
September 29, 2006
SAINT MICHAEL'S BOYS
Not long ago, the struggle between Good and Evil erupted, again, into war.
The Devil threw his forces against the very Gates of Heaven, themselves.
His attack beaten back, he withdrew and called for a meeting with God.
And Satan began.....
Who were those men who stood their ground,
When they were just some thousand few?
And when Gabrielle's Army is clad in gold,
Why did they all wear blue?
"They were out-numbered ten-to-one
And should have run like new-born foals,
But when they showed no fear I realized
That you'd used men who have no souls,
"And there, at last, I have you,
Through all your boasts you've lied,
So no more claims of righteousness
And behind no more Commandments hide,
"You've cheated and you've robbed me,
Those men, they are my proof,
The soul-less can't be yours in Heaven,
But mine in Hell, beneath my roof."
God listened, then replied....
"My poor, misguided child
Can't you see the error of your ways?
Those men just stood against you, now,
As they did in mortal days,
"I knew they wouldn't turn and run,
For they've seen your worst before,
And that is why I placed them there,
To keep safe and gaurd my door."
"As for those battered coats of blue,
They're worn with such fierce pride
That if I ordered them to change,
Why, then even I might be defied,
"Ye, you believe they have no souls,
When their souls are why they're here,
For in life each took an oath they kept
Although the price was steep, and dear,
"Even tempted by the face of death
Their hearts did cowardice decline,
You see, they never could be yours,
As they were then, and always, mine,
"And it's strange that you don't know them,
Since you've sent me every one,
Each time your murderers and theives
Killed a policeman's father's son,
"With tear-stained eyes I greet them all,
Cut too soon from their families' joys,
So send me on your shades of Hell...
And they'll meet Saint Michael's boys."
Author: Louis H. Knowles, CPD
Patrolman OH police dept.
Brother in Blue
September 29, 2006
Once again K-9s Lead the Way. My departments thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Williams and family. There family, friends and department has lost more than one member they lost two. We can all rest in piece knowing that Deputy Williams and Diogi are standing there post strong and proud. We can only hope to carry out our duties as bravely as they have.
L. Hardee & K-9 "Sixx"
Wake Forest Police Department Wake Forest, NC
September 29, 2006
Now you and Diogi are patrolling the streets of Heaven. Rest in Peace. We will continue patrolling the streets of Hell knowing you are watching over us.
Cpl D.W. McDaniel
Lake County S.O., FL
September 29, 2006
My condolences go out to Deputy Williams family and to the members of his dept. May you rest in peace brother. You gave your life protecting the citizens of your community. You will never be forgotten.
Deputy Ramon C Escamilla
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept.
September 29, 2006
My heart and prayers go out to Deputy Williams Family and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Judgment Day for a Police Officer
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 of us who carry badges
Can't always be a Saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my work 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,
I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills just got 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 judgment 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."
Dep. K. Johnson
Porstmouth Sheriff's Office, VA
September 29, 2006
Another hero taken. The ultimate sacrifice given.Thank you Deputy Williams.
Tina Lambert
mother of Deputy Ryan Seguin EOW 2-15-06
September 29, 2006
My hair stood up and goose bumps overwhelmed me when I turned the television on and heard what had happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Williams' family for their loss of husband, father, and k-9 companion. Know that they may be gone but NOT forgotten. They are and will continue to be an inspiration to me and my k-9. Peace be with you....
Brian Moore VSP #1477
Mike (K-9) VSP71
K-9 TPR B.C. MOORE (K-9 MIKE)
VIRGINIA STATE POLICE
September 29, 2006
To the wife, children, family, friends and coworkers of Deputy Williams my heart and prayers are with you all. May God be with you and guide you through these troubled days. Two true heroes who will not be forgotten, Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi thank you for your service and protection to us all.
Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
Union County SO, Lake Butler FL
EOW 08/06/02
September 29, 2006
My condolences to the Polk County Sheriff's Dept and the family of Deputy Williams. My prayers are with you.
Teanis Tillmon
Director of Security
U.S. Patrol & Security Services L.L.C
September 29, 2006
Deputy Matthew Williams, you will be remembered for your Bravery and Heroic efforts. Thank You and watch over us. To Matthew's Family and coworkers, my thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you. To the men and women who brought this tragic case to a swift end-Thank You.
Detective Thomas Tully
Southampton Town Police, Long Island, New York
September 29, 2006
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends, and your community.
Seattle, WA
September 29, 2006
God bless Deputy Williams and Diogi. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Sergeant
Florida Highway Patrol
September 29, 2006
Matt was a wonderful man who is going to be missed by so many. He gave his life doing what he loved. Law Enforcement has lost a dedicated deputy and K-9 partner, his wife has lost a wonderful husband and his children a devoted father. We will all miss Matt and remember him for his quite demeanor and sense of humor. God Bless You Matt and God Bless your K-9 partner. Our world is a better place because you were here. I send all of my personal love and prayers to Matt's family.
Kathy Barrett
friend
September 29, 2006
My thoughts and Prayers go out to the family, friends and department. In Brotherly Love, Officers of the Valdosta Police Department, Valdosta GA.
Sgt. Tom Wheeler, 6573
Valdosta Police Dept
September 29, 2006
They got him. "God will be the judge and jury"...
Mrs. Williams,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Although it is little consolation, please know that thoughts and prayers are being sent to you from across this nation. While we are seperated by miles, we are bound by this thin blue line. I was never granted the opportunity to meet your husband, but I will NEVER forget him or Diogi.
To the Polk Co Sheriff Office,
Keep Matt alive in your hearts by telling your favorite stories and sharing your memories. You are his legacy.
Rest in peace now Sir
Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
SHPD
September 29, 2006
You have paid the ultimate sacrifice. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Cpl R Staples
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
September 29, 2006
Rest in peace my brother.
Deputy J Perez
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
September 29, 2006
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