Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Deputy Williams, you and your partner Diogi were loved by many and will be missed by many more that never had the oppurtunity to meet you all. Thank you both for a Job well done. I just wanted to let you know that the P.O.S. responsible for you and Diogi's passing will never get the chance to harm another living thing.

Goose N.C. Narc
Johnston County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2006

Matt,

We set up the perimeter quickly, strengthened it as the situation worsened, and kept it solid all night long. He had no way out. No escape. He had only to await his fate as the sun arose the next morning. He'll never victimize anyone in our society again. But you already know all of this. I'm only sorry that I couldn't have had a bigger role in the initial incident or the final outcome. We analyze the decisions we make. If I'd have simply turned right onto N. Wabash Ave. with you and Doug instead of continuing west to extend the perimeter maybe ... But we can't function that way. You should've seen the massive response from all over Florida! Amazing. But you know that already, too. It's going to be rough around here for a while. We'll all be here for Doug if and when he needs us. He's having a hard time with all of this. And you know we're all here for your family when and if they need us too. No worries there. Thank you for being a friend, an outstanding professional, and a true hero in service to your friends, fellow deputies, to your community, and to your country! You are and always will be an example for others to emulate. You are truly missed. And now, along with K9 Diogi, rest in peace until we can see you again.

Deputy Sheriff Barry Hill
POLK County Sheriff's Office, West Division Traffic Unit

September 29, 2006

K-9 OFFICER WILLIAMS AND K-9 DIOGI DID NOT DIE AS HEROS THEY LIVED AS THEM!! THERE IS NO GREATER BOND THAN A K-9 OFFICER AND HIS K-9!! AND MAY YOU BOTH REST IN PEACE. YOU SERVED YOUR STATE AND COUNTY WELL MY FRIEND AND FOR THAT THEY WILL FOREVER BE THANKFUL! MAY GOD WELCOME YOU AND DIOGI INTO HEVEN WHERE YOU BOTH BELONG

K-9 HANDLER C.W.HOLLEY/ K-9 NIKO
NC LAW-ENFORCEMENT

September 29, 2006

Matt Williams gave his life and his K-9 partner also gave his life, Diogi, because of a selfish, ignorant, SOB, that had no respect for life, family, law enforcement, God, and not even himself. Now a family is without a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend. There shouldn't have to be an investigation. He got out the easy way. Just like the 54 year old man in Baily, Colo. It's not fair. People don't understand just how much our law enforcement put on the line for our safety. They sure don't get paid enough. How do you put a price on life? My heart goes out to the family of Matt Williams, and all of his friends,and his co-workers. I am so angry. This shouldn't have happened to such a good person. I know the Lord knows best and we aren't suppose to ask why, but the human part of me just can't understand such a tragedy. This hurts my heart so bad, I can't even imagine how his wife, children, mother, father, anyone who was close to him feels. The one that did this is paying with his soul. Matt Williams is on the right hand side of the Lord. I guess that is the only comfort you can find in this senseless mistake. I will pray for you all. And may the Lord Keep you and Comfort you and give you strength in this terrible time, and may you find peace in knowing that one day we will all be together again in heaven. With all our Love, Jeanie, Michael, and Mikey Overman Lexington, TN

Jeanie Overman
Lexington Citizens Police Academy, Lexington, TN 38351

September 29, 2006

God Bless you and your family

September 29, 2006

To Deputy Williams--

You died protecting the people of your county, your state, and your country and that sacrifice will never be forgotten. May you and your partner, Diogi, rest in peace.

To his family, friends, and co-workers--

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless.

Maame Kanbi
Tennessee

September 29, 2006

To the family of Deputy Williams and to the Sheriff's Department Of Polk County, you have our deepest sympathy and condolences, and May God Bless each and every one of you. We thank Deputy Williams for his service to Polk County, and The Great State Of Florida.

Pecos Police Department
Pecos, Texas.

September 29, 2006

My sincerest sympathy to the family and friends of Deputy Sheriff Vernon Matthew Williams as well as to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Rest in peace Deputy Williams, you are gone but will not be forgotten...

Dispatcher Sue Rusch
Punta Gorda PD, Punta Gorda FL

September 29, 2006

To the family and friends of Deputy Matt Williams:

We are all real sorry for your loss. It is not an easy thing to loose someone that you love so much. The thing that you have to remember is he died doing what he loves and will forever live in a better place for all eternity to come. You will all be in my prayers and the prayers of all of my friends and family.

Deputy Sherriff Matt Williams will never be forgotten.

Jessica
Polk County Resident

September 29, 2006

My thoughts and prayers go out to Matt's family. As the wife of a K-9 handler, I know that it feels as if you have lost 2 members of your family. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Wife of K-9 Officer, Ashley Whaley
Dothan Police Department

September 29, 2006

Rest in peace brother.

Trooper
New Jersey State Police

September 29, 2006

We are deeply grieved by the loss suffered by the family of D/S Williams and the Polk County Sheriff's office. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Collier County Sheriff's Office K9 Bureau, Fl

September 29, 2006

May God watch over your wife and children during this tragic time. May He guide your spirit in the right direction into ever lasting peace. You and your partner are true "Law Enforcement Heroes". Your freinds spoke at the TV News Conference about what a great human being you were and what you menat to them. I only wish I could have met you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

I pray the coward that shot you rots in Hell.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

September 29, 2006

GOD BLESS DEPUTY WILLIAMS AND HIS FAMILY.....REST IN PEACE AND LET US TAKE OVER FROM HERE.......

MASTER TROOPER J.R. FLEMING
NC STATE HIGHWAY PATROL

September 29, 2006

To the family and friends of Matt Williams my thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. From all the Troopers of Troop 1 Post A.

Sergeant T.L. Herbert
South Carolina Highway Patrol

September 29, 2006

My condolences to the family may god be with them during this time, and do not forget that your husband and father died a hero and so did the four legged member of your family Diogo. May they both rest in peace, patrolling the gates and streets of heaven.

Trooper
Florida Highway PAtrol

September 29, 2006

DEPUTY WILLIAMS, GOD BLESS YOU AND
MAY HE KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS . MAY HE BRING STRENGTH TO YOU FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF GRIEF

CORRECTION OFFICER RICHARD WISHIN(RETIRE
NYC CORRECTION DEPT

September 29, 2006

Rest in peace sir. Thank you for your service.

Cpl. David J. Bailey
Beckley Police Department, West Virginia

September 29, 2006

Dogs in Heaven

Matt and Diogi were walking down a hot, dusty road lined with a beautiful white fence on both sides. Matt was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was no longer on earth. He remembered leaving, and that Diogi, walking beside him, had also passed on heroically by his side. He wondered where the road was leading them.

As they walked along, Matt and Diogi became very thirsty and tired.

Soon, they came to a gate in the fence where, on the other side, they saw a nice grassy, wooded area surrounding a cool clear pool of fresh water. "Just where a thirsty 'huntin' dog and a man would like to rest!" thought Matt. But there was a sign over the gate that read "No Dogs" so they walked on.

Further on, they came upon a man in flowing white robes standing just inside a strong iron gate across a path that led to a beautiful, sunny meadow with a cool clear stream running through it.

"'Scuse me Sir," said Matt, "My partner and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?" "Of course!" The man said. "Come on in and rest. You look thirsty and tired." Matt said, "We sure are!" and started through the gate with Diogi.

The gatekeeper stopped him. "Sorry, you can come in but your dog can't come with you. "You see, this is Heaven, and dogs aren't allowed here. He has to stay out here on the road." "What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs?" said Matt.

"Well, if he can't come in, then I'll stay out here on the road with him. He's been my faithful partner all his life, laid his life down for me, and I won't desert him now."

"Suit yourself," said the gatekeeper, "but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his place. He'll promise you anything, but dogs can't go there either. If you won't leave that dog on the road, you'll spend all Eternity on the road with him. Better if you stay here."

"Well, I'm stayin' with my partner," replied Matt and he and Diogi walked on.

Gradually, the fence became more and more faded and rundown until they finally reached a spot where the boards fell away completely leaving a gap. Another man dressed in old, ragged clothes sat just inside the broken fence under a shady tree.

"'Scuse me Sir," said Matt, "My partner, Diogi, and I have been on this road all day. Mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"

"Of course!" The man said. "Come on in and rest. There's some cold water here under the tree. Make yourself comfortable."

Matt paused, "but what about my partner? Can he can come in, too? The man up the road said dogs weren't allowed here, and they had to stay on the road."

The other man answered, "Well, you look pretty tired and thirsty. Would you come in here and rest if you had to leave that dog?"

"No sir!" Matt replied, "A glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now but I won't come in if Diogi can't come too. I didn't go to Heaven because Diogi couldn't come with me, so I sure as how ain't about to go to Hell without him neither."

The man smiled and said, "Welcome to Heaven, and bring Diogi!"

Matt exclaimed, "You mean this is Heaven? And Diogi can come with me? Then why did that fellow down the road say they weren't allowed in Heaven?"

The man replied, "That was the Devil and he gets all the souls who are willing to give up a life-long companion for small comfort because they think it will make their lives a little easier. They soon find out their mistake, but, then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. God wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, He created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

- Author Unknown

Rest in Peace D/S Williams and K9 D/S Diogi

Former LEO
WVCPD

September 29, 2006

To Deputy Matt Williams

Thank you for your dedicated service. You will be missed by your family, friends, and all members of the police department family. No words I can say can easy your family's pain as I have found. We are praying for you and your family.

Brother of PO Jeremy Chambers 101
E.O.W. 04-24-2006

PO Chris Chambers
St Louis County Police Dept Mo

September 29, 2006

You and your K-9 partner both lived and died as heroes, and your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. Please keep a watchful eye over your brothers in blue.

Detective
Orlando Police Department

September 29, 2006

We of the thin blue line all feel the loss. When a brother officer is taken from us. I cannot express the feeling of hurt I feel, each time I come to this page. I also know you passed as true hero. R.I.P my brother

Detective
Fairfax County Virginia

September 29, 2006

This has been by far the most difficult day in most of our careers at PCSO. We lost a great great friend, wonderful deputy, and all in all a beautiful person. For those who have gotten the priveledge of knowing him and workin with him, we have been blessed. For those new to the agency who havent , they have missed out. Pray for his family who needs all the support they can get, and also for his fellow deputy Doug Spiers, who was also wounded in the gunfight. These two men showed bravery and courage and deserve everyones prayers and thoughts.

Deputy Sheriff
Polk County Sheriffs Office

September 29, 2006

I am so very sorry.

May you and Diogi be at peace together forever.

God be with your family and friends, and all members of the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Sincere condolences on behalf of the NYS University Police at Brockport.

We will remember.

Ptl. Mike Ryan
NYS University Police Brockport

September 29, 2006

I heard they trapped and killed the suspect today that took your life and that of your partner Diogi. Justice has been served, but too late to have averted the tragedy that now affects your family and department.

Not 6 days earlier you were searching for a missing woman, serving proudly in the PCSD.

I send my sympathies to your family and hope that as you left this life that there was comfort in having Diogi by your side.

Rest in peace brother.

Fomer LEO

September 29, 2006