Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

hey matt,

we still love you.

D/S Paul Wright- K9 Riso
Pcso

December 5, 2007

Hey Matt & DiOGI,
Here we are again at the Holiday times. I just want you to know that we are continuing to support your family and will always be there for them. You would be so proud of Nancy and the kids for how they are handling everything. I know they have their bad moments, but we all do. We are having a door wreath contest at PCSO, I made one up in honor of all of our hero's that we've lost. Little Matt & DiOGI stand guard at it, as votes cost 10 cents and my bucket is holding alot of money. No fear, I think DiOGi would take a bite of someone if they messed with it :) I've also wrote the creation of Lit'l Matt and stood it on the table so that everyone would know that, those are your original clothes on the little guy. As you know I made one for Nancy for her birthday and when I got your uniforms I have to say that I sat down and had myself a good cry. I am now making one for you mom as you know she collects these little pouting dolls.
Nancy, you know I'm so proud of you. Your family has been thru hell and back and you've held it all together for the most part, along with the kids. I know they are what keeps you going. You also know that if you need anything your "extended" family is here for you. I love all you guys.
Matt, continue watching over all of us especially all your brothers & sisters in law enforcement, you are always with us in our hearts.
Happy Thanksgiving Matt, give DiOGi and Rocky a pat on the head for me for a job well done!
Love and miss you guys,

Diane Dodge
PCSO Bartow Florida

November 21, 2007

Dear Matt and K-9 Diogi...

Well my friend, another dedication took place in yours and Diogi's honor Sunday. It was a nice day in the memory of you both for the "Diogi Pet Cemetary" and felt that we wanted to write something to you afterwards. All of your K-9 brothers and their K-9's were there under the great leadership of our friend Sergeant Jim Bryan. The Bucs had a game in Georgia or some of them would have been there with me again for your support. Instead, I brought with me, the all time great famous WCW/WWE Wrestler Jimmy "The Anvil" Neidhart to be there for your family support as he has been before. Jimmy "The Anvil", is one of the boys that I sports promote along with the Tampa Bay Bucs, when we first met you Matt at the Lakeland Civic Center wrestling show while you were on duty.

This Sunday, your wife Nancy stood proud with your mom Maxine, and 2 of your children Jimmy and Amanda. They were so glad to see us again but hurt and miss you so much now especially around the holidays. Your fellow deputies and K-9 brothers still tell the great memories of you both that will live on forever. I was always taught in the memory of my parents that Thanksgiving is a time to remember and give thanks for what we have.

Your brother Joe and I have built a great friendship since and brought him into the life of Buc Chris Hovan #95 as friends. This Sunday, in your memory, I am taking your brothers, Joe and Danny with me to the Bucs/Washington game and down on the field sideline as well to meet the players for an early Christmas present. God bless you Matt and Diogi for eternity.

Sincerely, David C. Williams,
727-647-5963
Special Honorary Deputy for Polk, Citrus and Sarasota County and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the WWE Wrestlers

DAVID C. WILLIAMS,
POLK, CITRUS, SARASOTA HONORARY DEPUTY

November 20, 2007

My deepest condolences to the family. I know words are just words, but the feelings behind them are sincere and heartfelt. Please know that I will be praying for all of you. Matt and Diogi are together now as they were in their earthly time.

DustyAnn Bouchard

DustyAnn Bouchard
Josephine County Sheriff's Office

November 1, 2007

Matt,

I think about you at least once a day, and I still miss you all the time.....

Kim Pedley
Friend and Former PCSO Dispatcher

October 25, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 4, 2007

Matt - On the anniversary of your death I was in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Albuqurque, New Mexico, and offered prayers for you and Diogi as well as your family. You have not and never will be forgotten by our family as you and our daughter were sworn into the PCSO at the same time. May God grant your family the Peace that passes all understanding. I hope to meet you in Heaven some day. In the mean time, please continue to watch over us here on earth.

Sharon Glynn
Mother of a Deputy Sheriff

October 2, 2007

Matt and DiOGi,Testerday marks the firdt anniversary of when you where so brutally and senslesly taken from us.It is still evident just how much you are missed by all,as the ceremony dedicating the Northwest Comand Center to your memory showed,there where as many or more residents,as there where LEO'sfrom all over the county.I got to finally meet Nancy and the kids,Its still hard for them,as well as the other deputies.Watch over them everyday.Your legacy will live on forever my friend.You have brought the desire to become a LEO back,something I havent thought about for a long time,Maybe I'll check into it.Rest easy my friend you have earned it.Hey DiOGi,the park is a great success,They want to expand it and add more fountains and excercise equiptment.Well just wanted to let you guys know you are not forgotten here in POLK county.Talk to you again soon.

Bob Smith
Lakeland

September 29, 2007

"A MAN REMEMBERED NEVER DIES"

September 28, 2007

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones on this first anniversary of your EOW. Continue to keep watch over them and wrap your wings around them and help them with their grief. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement and making your community a safer place to live.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

September 28, 2007

My prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

September 28, 2007

To the family of Deputy Vernon Matt Williams, may you find peace in the Lord himself. He alone is our strength. I pray you find comfort and know that your "husband", "father", and
brother is at peace and in great hands. No more pain, sorrow or suffering. Nothing but happiness for him now and he would want for the rest to carry on and rejoice. Praying for you all.

New Mexico

September 28, 2007

One year ago today a hero was taken by a cold blooded killer. I never knew Deputy Williams, however as a K9 handler I understand the danger involved and the sacrifice Deputy Williams and his K9 partner gave. I see the tributes others have left and can olny strive to be as good a cop and handler as Deputy Williams was. You, your family and your department are in my prayers and I will dedicate my shift tonight to your memory sir. May you and Diogi rest in peace. God bless

K9 Handler
Illinois

September 28, 2007

To the Williams family on this one year anniversary, you are all in my heart and prayers. May God be with you all. Know that your hero will be remembered always...

Deb Azure
Mother of Deputy Renee Danell Azure
Union County SO, Lake Butler FL
EOW 08/06/02

September 28, 2007

Matt,
Though we never met, it seems like I 've known you for years. You and your family have such a special place in my heart and I can't imagine how tough today will be for them. Your life paralleled mine in alot of ways like our passion for K9, being the same age and our wives sharing the same birthday. I want you to know that you are an inspiration to our training and I know you did it right! This was a worst case scenario and you couldn't or wouldn't have done it any different. At your funeral it was awesome to hear how strong your faith in the Lord was and proud you were to share it with others. You and DiOGi ride with me and my K9 partner every day and we are proud of what you have done. Rest in Peace brother you have earned it and we will strap on the harness and bail out after the next one. The statement rings true "A MAN REMEMBERED NEVER DIES".

Brian Reimsnyder
IRCSO K9

D/S Brian Reimsnyder K9
Indian River County Sheriff's Office

September 28, 2007

matt
I cant believe it has been a year since that awful day. I can remember working with you the day before, calling you bueller , because you didnt answer me on the radio .
I still cant believe you and diogi were taken from us. Everyone still misses you. I know you are our guardian angel now, you and diogi, continue to keep an eye on our guys. I remember our last conversation in person, we were talking about Amanda playing basketball, your trip to oklahoma, to see the memorial of the mura federal building, and you making fun of my white arms, because you had such a tan . Give diogi a big hug for me.

ann greco dispatcher
pcso

September 28, 2007

On this the first anniversary of your death, we stop to remember you and your partner
Rest in peace sir you have not been forgotten
Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Former Riviera Beach Police Florida SGT
Deborah Roelandts (911 retired)
Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Chief John Roelandts (retired)
Town of Oconomowoc

September 28, 2007

Well Matt, here we are, it's been a year since you were taken from all of us. I wish I could say it's been easy, but it hasn't. Not a day goes by that I'm stitting out on the porch at the "round table" at the main office and expect to see you and DiOGi walk thru the gate and see DiOGi's head pop up over the wall. I was so blessed to have you as my friend. I will always hold the day before close to my heart, we were in the office goofing around, not knowing it would be the last time that I would ever see you again. You will never be forgotten and will forever be etched in my heart and mind, and your family in my prayers everyday. Give DiOGi and Rocky a pat on the head for me and as always "Are you smiling today"? Till we meet again buddy, keep watch over all of us left here on this earth. Love you both!

Diane Dodge
PCSO

September 27, 2007

Matt - It was a year ago tomorrow that we all found out that a MONSTER took you from us and injured another officer. I remember it like it was yesterday. My phone call to my husband was because someone came into the office and said "hey give your husband a call and see what is happening in Lakeland, something big is going down."
I called and was told to come to the hospital. I got to hear his voice I knew he was ok. He was terribly worried about you and told me "he tried to stay and help but they wouldn't let him" I didn't see Nancy that day but was very worried about her. I did get to see her the next day right after they shot the "bastard", it was hard but I think it helped all of us. Your family is so strong and I feel we will have a bond with them forever. Wish you were here to share.
As you know "verna" named after you is a great dog. I am honored to have her in our life.
Things happen for a reason and god knows what he is doing, it is hard for us to understand sometimes, but our faith is all we have. I can't wait for the day when we are all together up in Heaven.
Give Diogi and Rocky a hug and know you will always "be remembered, you will never Die in our hearts."

September 27, 2007

~~~When Tomorrow Starts Without Me~~~

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, try to understand, that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for and so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I'd miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past. But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free, so won't you take my hand and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

daughter of an officer

September 24, 2007

I had the honor of serving in the multiagency honor guard at the funeral of this fine officer, who died in a hail of gunfire, saving his squadmates, and doing his job. You join the ranks of the hallowed few, those who gave their lives for their community.

Ofc. M. Weissberg
South Miami Police Dept.

ofc. M. Weissberg
South Miami Police Department

September 18, 2007

i want to thank you for all you did to keep others safe. I pray God gives yourfamily strength to go on and live as you'd want them to. Enjoy Heaven you deserve it. Job well done now go get your reward.

Sherry Lynn
texas citizen

September 17, 2007

Met one of you k-9 squadmembers from Polk County S.O. today. Though you were a great Deputy & K-9 handler, your were more respected as a great friend. Your friends miss you much. Rest in peace brother for we have the watch now.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

September 13, 2007

Just wanted to stop by and say you are not forgotten. After I attach the badge to my uniform shirt everyday I slide a gold coin with your photo on it into my pocket. It was presented to all LEOs by Sheriff Judd who were involved in the search for the COWARD who took you from us. I carry that coin in my left shirt pocket over my heart symbolically and know you are our guardian angel now. I carry it with great pride and feel a sense of added security at work everyday. Thank you for your sacrifice my brother and for your unrecognized continuing contribution to the courage and integrity of all Polk County law enforcement.

Ofc. D. Mosser (LPD 291T)
Lakeland Police Department

September 7, 2007

Hey Baby, Just wanted to say Happy Anniversary! I love you. You have now been married to me for 22 years. I miss you more then ever. You are and will always remain in my heart. I love you.

Nancy
Spouse

August 25, 2007