Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To the Williams family and the Polk County Sheriff's Office you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. We wish peace upon you durning these difficult times.

Lt. James Quinn
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2006

Rest in peace Deputy Williams and your faithful partner. Our prayers are with your family. Nemo me impune lacessit!

Major Craig Broughton
Volusia County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2006

May you rest in peace Deputy Williams. May God bless your wife and children. I am saddened to hear another brother has fallen. You look like you were a fair and honest man.

Off. Hanes
Oklahoma City Police Dept.

September 29, 2006

Rest easy brother..............we have it from here.

Officer Lloyd Cornelius
Ormond Beach Police Department

September 29, 2006

May the Lord grant this brave officer eternal rest and may he help his family through their terrible grief and loss.

Missouri Sgt.

September 29, 2006

To Deputy Williams and Diogi,
I am currently living in VA with my husband due to his service in the USMC, but our hometown is Lakeland. When I heard this horrible news it ripped my heart out because I know what an outstanding force we have in Polk County. You will always be remembered as one of the few that if you could choose how you were going to go, it would be in the line of duty. RIP and Godspeed.

Jessica Cranor
Sgt. Cranor's wife Military Police Quantico, VA

September 29, 2006

My wife grew up in Lakeland, FL and we come there at least twice a year or more. Lakeland feels like my second home now. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Deputy Williams family and co-workers. I only wish I could help look for this scumbag.

Trp BK Henline
NCSHP

September 29, 2006

Brother Matt and Diogi, thank you for your dedicated service, may God bless your souls as you walk among Heaven's streets. To the family, friends and co-workers of Matt, I am very sorry for your loss and may God watch over you all.

Inv. Ronnie Austin
State Attorney's Office, Tallahassee, FL

September 29, 2006

I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of both officers Matt and Diogi.Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten and may you rest in God's Saftey,Peace and Love.

Mother of Fallen Military Police Officer
PFC Brian Thomas Gleason 2000
John 14:27

September 29, 2006

The Florida Police Chiefs Association would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Matt Williams, and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. Please take comfort in knowing that your extended law enforcement family grieves with you. Deputy Williams, we thank you for your service. You will not be forgotten.

Members and Staff
Florida Police Chiefs Association

September 29, 2006

Deputy Sheriff Williams and K9 Diogi, thank you for your service -- and giving the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of Florida. Your Brothers and Sisters in uniform will make sure your assailant is brought to justice!!

To the Williams family, while I know that nothing I can say will end your pain and suffering, I offer you my deepest sympathy in loss of your husband/father and Diogi, as he was just as much of a family member!!

Deputy Sheriff Williams and Diogi, watch over your family, giving them the guidance they need to move through life after this devastating loss. Rest in peace - both of you!

Michelle - wife of Retired LEO

September 29, 2006

Thanks you so much for your dedication to protecting and serving with the Lakeland Police Department. The same goes for your beloved K-9 Dog, Diogi. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers. You will be greatly missed by all of those in the law enforcement community. Rest in peace.

Michigan Department of Corrections
Friend of Deputy Perry Fillmore EOW 4/27/04

September 29, 2006

Deputy Williams, I came into the precinct after working my shift and saw what was unfolding on the news. My heart and prayers go out to you and your partner Diogi, along with your family and friends in Flordia. I can promise you that your brothers in blue will not rest until the suspect is caught. Thank you for your sacrifice. We have the watch now brother.

Police Officer
Chesapeake, VA

September 29, 2006

Deputy Matt Williams and K-9 Diogi,
You made the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in peace. We got the watch from here.

Deputy Sheriff Michelle Owens
Orange County Sheriff's Office

September 29, 2006

God Speed Deputy Sheriff Williams.

South Bend, IN

September 29, 2006

Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi paid the ultimate price, and gave their lives to protect the community they live in to make it a better place for all. Even though I did not personally know Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi, I know them because my K9 partner and I are them.
We (K9 Handlers), live to work our dogs and to track down criminals to make this a better place for all to live. Being a K9 Handler is not just another job or assignment. It’s a calling, it’s a passion, and it’s a way of life.
Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi gave their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what they love best. “Chasing down the bad guy”. How many people can say that they died doing what they love best? They were a K9 team, and now they will continue to be a team watching over each other as God watches over them.
Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi are Heroes and heroes live forever. God Bless them both.
To Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi’s family, friends, law enforcement family, and community. My heartfelt condolences. May God Bless You and comfort you.

MPO. Jose' Arango, K-9 Handler
Fairfax County Police Dept, VA

September 29, 2006

Yesterday was another sad day for America. While I was working traffic enforcement my wife(Dearbrn Police Mich K9 Handler)called me on the phone and told me about Deputy Williams and Diogi being shot. My heart dropped. Later during the evening I seen on the news that they passed away. I hope the evil SOB that did this is killed or arrested soon. Very difficult days are ahead for the family and friends of Deputy Williams and Diogi. We are still recovering from the loss of our co-worker and friend Jason Makowski(EOW: Thursday, May 25, 2006). All the we can do if pray for you all and we are praying.

Bruce Krot
Dbn Hts Police Dept Mich (Former K9 Handler in NC)

September 29, 2006

Rest in peace brother, thank you for your service and bravery.

Offc. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department

September 29, 2006

Rest in peace dear brother, your efforts and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Deputy Robert Cooley
Frederick County Sheriff's Office, VA

September 29, 2006

May you rest in peace and know that you died a hero and will not be soon forgotten.

Ofc. S.D. Hall Jr.
Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police

September 29, 2006

To the Family, Co-Workers, Friends of Deputy William & Diogi:

Another sad day has fallen upon our Law Enforcement Family. We will never forget the sacrifice which you and your partner gave this day. I pray for your families peace and comfort during this time.
Betty A. Bell
Former Spouse
Ptl. William B. Bell
Summerville, S.C. Police Dept.
E.O. W. 11-19-02

September 29, 2006

Rest in Peace, Brother
Thank for your service and sacrifice. God Bless you and your family.

MSG Johnny Acevedo
US ARMY Special Force/ Special Operations

September 29, 2006

Warriors are never forgotten....GodSpeed brother..

PFC Penman
City of Fairfax PD, VA

September 29, 2006

Thank you sir for your service and God bless your wife and three children. God speed to Diogi as well. I am sure you were protecting your handler at the time of your death.

Police Officer, District 1
Tampa Police Department

September 29, 2006

On behalf of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, I would like to express our deepest regards and sympathy to the family, friends and fellow officers of Deputy Sheriff Matthew Williams and his K-9 partner "Doigi". You both gave the ultimate sacrifice. Matthew and Doigi, you may be gone, but you will NEVER be forgotten. Rest in peace blue angel and thank you for your service.

James A. Cortina
Director / Connecticut Police Work Dog Association

September 29, 2006