Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Matt,

I miss your smile, your sense of humor, your dedication to Rocky and Diogi, your calming nature, your mere presence. You had a way of making others feel safe and comfortable reqardless of the situation. I have the newspaper photo of you and Diogi hanging in my office and somehow when things are hectic I look to you for strength. You sacrificed so much for all of us and as long I live you will never be forgotten. May God keep you and Diogi and may you feel the warmth of God always. Your life was cut short but for His purpose. May his family always be proud of the him and carry him in their hearts.

Shannon
friend @ APD

April 25, 2007

Nancy,

My husband is a friend of Matt's. I met the two of you only once at the movie theater in Winter Haven. Not a day goes by that you and your family are not in our thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks for you. My husband and I often wonder how you are coping. Several times he has thought about calling but he doesn't want to intrude. Just last week he was telling me about when he and Matt worked at Discount Auto together before they were both in law enforcement. My 14 year old son also frequents this site, he has never met your family but is student at Mckeel Academy. The day of the shooting he called me on his cell phone to tell me his school was on lock down and he had heard an officer was hurt. He was scared, but not for himself, for the officer that was hurt. He also wanted to tell his dad he loved him. I wanted to say thank you for your frequent enteries and updates. It truley help us all to hear how you and your children are doing and remember the "one who soars"
Rod & Lori Esteve
Winter Haven, Florida

Esteve
Winter Haven Police Deartment

April 20, 2007

Dear Matt and Diogi...

Well brother I did it. Your event I did on 4-6-7 @ Chili's went very well. I think everybody there knew you are our hero and including the Tampa Bay Bucs, WWE Wrestlers and other celebrities knew as well from the turn out that I brought with me. Your family was all there which was very special to me. Bucaneer Jeb Terry #77 said to me before he left...he said...."Dave, I thank you for inviting me as a friend and after today and all you said and did and meeting all his family, I feel as if I knew Matt, and only wish I had the opportunity to talk sports with him and his kids and he hugged me and shook my hand as he said good-by with an emptyness in his voice and left out the door. Buccaneer Chris Hovan #95 even brought his 4 week old son to meet your wife Nancy and had her hold little C.J. He too feels close to you. Buc Matt Bryant #3 had another event in the morning but he came as well and said "Dave, I would not miss this event". We all have a void brother with you and Diogi gone but try to fill it sharing and hearing the stories of you in our own way. I visited your grave recently while attending another of your family members funeral and placed a law enforcement angel medallion coin on it for all you have done. Your family, Nancy, Maxine, Chris, Jimmy were there missing you so much. As I said brother, I have been told I can make a lot of things change and happen but the one thing I wish I could do is turn that day of 9/28 around and unfortunatly I can not. I am there with you and will always be there with the celebrities for your family and do an annual event in your honor as long as I live. We all miss brother! Sincerely, David C. Williams 727-647-5963.

David C. Williams, Honorary Deputy
Polk, Citrus and Sarasota County Honorary Deputy

April 11, 2007

Hey matt, we still love and miss you and wanted to let you know that we will never forget the your "GREAT" sence of humor and your extreme dedication to the job as a polk county deputy, but most of all your undeniable love for your family. we know you would rather have us get out there and do some work, but we can't and will never stop thinking of you and diogi. you made the ultimate sacrifice that all of us are weary to make. you are a hero, but most of all a great friend. we will always love you brother...

DEPUTY
PCSO

April 7, 2007

Hello sweetie, Just wanted to drop a line and let you know that you are still thought of daily by so many. Of course you know you are in my thoughts everday, and most every second of every day. Also, in the post from Jennifer Cain, she made a statement, wondering if when I kissed you by each day you left to go to work, did I smile with pride. The anwser is yes, the thing I did not do daily, is to let you see that smile, nor did I tell you as often as I should have just how proud I was to have you as my husband. SO Jennifer, the only thing I can suggest is when you smile with pride, let Buddy know why you are smiling... dont assume he knows what that smile means, or that he even saw that smile... Tell him... I too watched my husband many days get ready for work.... watching him put on that uniform almost daily, is one of the many many many things I miss. I use to hear people say that they liked men in uniforms... well the uniform is not what made Matt look nice,... Matt made the uniform look nice!! He truly was meant to be a Deputy! Any way, back to the uniform, I watched him, I mean really watched him on several occassions, get dressed for work.. one of the reasons I smiled with such pride, is I could see the pride in him as he put the uniform on.... He loved being a deputy and loved serving and protecting the people of Polk County. So yes Jennifer, I did smile with pride, and today when I look at the many pictures I have of him in uniform, I still smile with pride. Thank you Jennifer for all your kind words and thoughts... thank you for wanting to take some of my pain... I am glad you remeber my statement... and that statement is still true... I would not wish the kind of pain I have felt through all of this on my worst enemy... litles less another officer's wife.... I pray for all of the leo's daily, and for their safe return to their familys. In loving memory of my husband,
Vernon Matt Williams

Nancy Williams
Spouse

April 4, 2007

Matt,

I was blessed this week to meet some of your brother officers from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, your brother Joe and good friend Mike. I also got to meet Sheriff Grady Judd. You are missed and loved by many. I pray that God will be with your loving wife, children, family and extended family of brother and sister officers from across this great country. God Bless you and please keep watch over us.

God Bless to you and Diogi I know he is there in Heaven with you.

Detective Darron Sparks
Anderson Indiana PD

March 31, 2007

Hey brother ...

.. just a quick note to say hello. Thinking of you and your family, always! Keep a protective eye on all of us down here. We need it. Have an awesome day in GLORY, my friend! We'll all see you again soon enough ..

Polk County Deputy
NW District

Deputy Sheriff
POLK County Sheriff's Office, Florida

March 30, 2007

AS I WATCH MY HUSBAND APPLY THE LAYERS OF CLOTHING TO START HIS DAY OF DUTY , I OFTEN THINK OF THE DAY THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US. I WONDER WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS WERE AND IF NANCY OFTEN SMILED WITH PRIDE LIKE I DO AS SHE KISSED YOU GOOD BYE AND TOLD YOU TO BE CAREFUL AS SO MANY OTHER WIVES DO TOO. I CRY DAILY AND ACHE DEEPLY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I PRAYED THAT I COULD TAKE SOME OF NANCY'S PAIN AWAY AND SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE WOULD NEVER WISH THIS KIND OF PAIN ON ANYONE AND TO HOLD ON DEARLY TO MY HUSBAND AND TO NEVER LET HIM GO. GOD BLESS AND PLEASE WATCH OVER YOUR FAMILY AT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE. ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO KEEP YOU ON THEIR SHOULDERS AS THEY DO WHAT THEY AND YOU LOVED DOING MOST.

JENNIFER CAIN
WIFE OF POLK COUNTY DEPUTY

March 28, 2007

still havent forgotten.

Lori & k9 Remco
Sioux City PD, Iowa

March 28, 2007

Today is you 40th birthday, a time to reflect on all you did for this community. It has been 6 months to the day that you were taken from us. You will live forever in my heart. I love you.

Joe
Brother

March 28, 2007

Hey Matt. I was just looking at your "my space" site. I feel a deep sadness for your family. You looked like you were a great guy. God bless you and Diogi.

March 28, 2007

You are not forgotten.

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

March 28, 2007

Happy 40th Birthday Matt!! We sure do miss you & DiOGi here at the SO...keep watching over all of us here & give DiOGi a pat on the head & hug for me...It's been 6 months now, unbelievable and your memory is so alive. Till we meet again bud....hey! "are you smiling today?"
Love you guys

Diane Dodge
PCSO

March 27, 2007

Hey Matt & DiOGi,

I stopped by your Wabash memorial yesterday and swept it off. Man those leaves are coming down. I also wanted to stop by and tell you HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! I spoke with Nancy for an hour on Sunday and saw some of the prom pictures of your kids. You would be so proud of all of them and yes they are all looking very handosme and bautiful (as always). You need to help rocky through this hard time. I will continue to keep you, DiOGi, Nancy and the kids as well as all staff at PCSO in my prayers. Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY...we all miss you!

Chasity Huff

Chasity Huff
Friend

March 26, 2007

I can remember the "6th month mark" of our officers' passing. I recall it was still a busy time, what with fundraisers, memorials, dedications etc. And yet it seemed that no time had passed at all. I remember the comfort provided to me by this site, visiting daily to view new reflections. This site allowed me to grieve privately as I cried (at times uncontrollably) while reading thoughts and prayers left by what lay people would call "strangers". DS Williams, we may have never had the fortune to meet, but we are most certainly a family. Please know that you are not, and will NEVER be forgotten. You are indeed a true HERO!

Rest Peacefully Sir

Friend of Mark Sawyers EOW 6-5-04
Sterling Heights PD, Michigan

March 24, 2007

To my hero.....I love you. Give Dad a hug for me....

Joe
Loving Brother

March 15, 2007

although we'd never met, i feel approapriate to say that it is so sad that such a man could finish your tour so early. i praise your dedication.

I also take great comfort in the decision that your colleagues will not face prosecution in their actions in capturing the suspect

My thoughts are with your family

Steve

Steve

March 8, 2007

Deputy Matt Williams, may you and your partner rest in peace and know you will not be forgotten. To the wife and children of Matt, please know that Matt's death was not for nothing. As an officer I know and have to remember that this job is meaningful and worth doing to save lives and move forward, we may not always know when we save a life but are always reminded when one is taken from us, the Brother Hood, the Thin Blue Line just got thinner.
R.I.P.

K-9 Officer Kyle Baker
Lexington Police Department, NC

March 8, 2007

I just recently opened an internet account and was able to find this site. I have cried more than I have in a long time as I read all the reflections about Deputy Williams. I have met many a Sheriff Deputy and cannot recall if I met Deputy Williams or not, but I know what risks they take daily for us and Matt and Diogi payed the ultimate price, along with the family they left behind. I am posting this reflection within a couple of days of an accident involving a friend of mine from PCSO. The thought of possibly losing another good man scared the heck out of me. My thoughts and prayers are still with the family and with the law enforcement community. God bless you all!

Forever Greatful
LEO Wife & Friend

March 6, 2007

We miss you Matt & Diogi......

March 1, 2007

Just a line to say I love you Matt. I will never let your memory die. You are mt hero forever.

Joe Williams
Brother

February 28, 2007

Matt,
Just dropping in to say Hi to you & DiOGi, it's been 5 months today and your on my mind. I look at your picture and still can't beleive your not with us anymore here at the S.O. I keep your family in my prayers daily. I know that your looking down and keeping a watch over all of us here, keep up the good work and ~ are you smiling today? ~ Give DiOGi a hug for me ~
Love & miss you guys so very much!

Diane Dodge
PCSO ~ Bartow FL

February 28, 2007

I miss you little brother,every day I'm finding out more ways you were there for me.I know you will always be with us,sometimes I still feel your presence...

Daniel Williams
Brother

February 23, 2007

I remember hearing the news while I was working down here in Broward. I wanted more than anything to hit the lights and sirens and get up there to help out. I did make the trip up there a few days later to pay my respects to you and Diogi. Although I didnt know you personally we have that bond that some people will never understand. Less than two months after I made the trip up to Polk County, I found myself attending a funeral for my friend and co worker Deputy Tephford who was killed on a traffic stop. I am sure you guys are looking after each other and keeping us safe. I continue to pray for the loved ones you left behind everyday. Both of you made the ultimate sacrifice for the people you swore to protect, thank you for being the heroes that you are.

Deputy Passman
Broward County Sheriff's Office

February 22, 2007

I still recall the morning I turned on the news and saw the manhunt going on for your assailant. It stays with me and your sacrifice has kept me vigilant in my duties as a handler. You are a valiant warrior and a true hero to have given your life for a brother officer. I can only imagine your joy when DiOGi met you at the Rainbow Bridge and how wonderful it must be to walk a beat on Heaven's streets. Rest well, brother. We've got it from here.

PSO McNeely / K9 Kelly
Morganton NC DPS

February 21, 2007