On October 3, 2006 Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Matthew Vernon Williams and his K-9 Diogi were laid to rest in Auburndale, Florida.
More than 3,000 turned out to honor a man “who had a smile for everyone”, at a service be-fitting a fallen hero.
Inside and filled to capacity at the Victory Assembly of God church in Lakeland, Florida huge screens displayed images of Matt & Diogi filmed just one week before, during happier times.
The service began shortly after 1pm and those in attendance stood as the Williams’s family- Wife Nancy and three children 19 year old Christopher and 16 year-old twins Jimmy Allen and Amanda Rochelle were seated in the front row.
They were immediately followed by the honor guard whom slowly saluted the flag draped casket.
After the salute the deputies retreated leaving two on either side to stand watch over their fallen comrade through-out the entire service. Once the family was seated and the fallen deputy was saluted the service continued, but not before a retired K-9 also greeted the family.
Many spoke fondly of Williams.
Mike Evans, friend and co-worker said. "Matt was a jokester. He could fix anything, and if he took it apart and couldn’t fix it he would lay beside the garage until he could ..." he continued with, "Who here thinks they have the best Matt Williams story?" then watched as most of the mourners raised their hands, then he closed with, "A man remembered never dies."
Polk county sheriff, Grady Judd spoke of Williams' sense of humor that was evident when he named his K-9, Diogi, pronounced D-O-G. How Diogi was a pilot program whom as a puppy trained with Matt’s previous K-9 who was getting ready to retire, and how humorous it was to see a patrol car pull up with CAUTION: K-9 on the side and out would jump this little puppy.
Jim Bryan, Williams' supervisor spoke of the bond between the officer and his K-9 companion. Diogi, is loyal and he never deserted Matt, even in his darkest hour..." Diogi’s remains were cremated and placed at his master’s side where he will forever remain as his handler’s constant companion."
"It is true that one life does make a difference," said Victory’s church senior pastor M. Wayne Blackburn. "No one knows that better than the people in this room." He told the law enforcement in the room that they keep the community safe and "none of us ever take you for granted."
The family, to overcome by grief did not speak, instead two songs were played in remembrance of the husband and father. The first "Endless Love" was also played at Matt & Nancy’s wedding years earlier. The second song entitled "Butterfly Kisses" was dedicated by his 16 year old daughter.
After the service all law enforcement filed past Williams’ police cruiser which was memorialized and will be retired to stand at attention.
As the sound of TAPS played officers stood at attention and saluted.
Once the casket was placed into the hearse the procession prepared to depart. The place of interment was approximately 12 miles from the church where the service had taken place.
The procession was a sight to behold. The hearse and escorts departed, followed closely by the motorcycle brigade, soon after came a sight you only see in movies. As far as the eye could reach a line of patrol cars, lights flashing, moving slowly down Memorial Blvd. and US 92. The 12 mile stretch of highway from the church to the cemetery was one solid line of patrol cars and still cars remained in the church parking lot. 3 hours later the last car to leave the church lot arrived at graveside.
All along the route citizens, business owners and workers saluted the fallen hero in spite of a light drizzle. Many held signs, flags or just held their hand over their hearts. As the Hearse passed under an over pass drivers above had pulled over to pay their respects.
At the grave side many bid a tearful goodbye to their fallen comrade.
Deputy Williams and Diogi were shot and killed and another Deputy Doug Spears was shot and injured after Deputy Spears had executed a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle.
The vehicle was driven by Angilo Freeland. As deputy Spears was radioing in the drivers information the driver ran from the deputy into some near by woods. Deputy Spears radioed for back-up. K-9 deputy Matt Williams and Diogi arrived on scene. As the deputies entered the woods to locate the driver other deputies arrived. Shoots were fired and Diogi & Matt were killed and Deputy Spears was injured.
The shooting was followed by a 20 hour man-hunt. Freeland had run farther back into the woods and burrowed underneath a fallen log. With night coming officers were unable to locate Freeland, however officers did a excellent job of securing the area through out the night. In the morning a shoulder to shoulder sweep of the area by more than 300 officers located the killer. Freeland was ordered to show his hands. When he complied he was holding a gun. He was ordered to drop the weapon which he refused and was subsequently shot. He died at the scene.
For more information, to hear the dispatch tapes from September 28th, to see & hear clips from Matt’s funeral or to sign/read guestbook go to the Lakeland Ledger’s web site at www.theledger.com.
Also Law Enforcement Cadaver Dogs, Inc. A non-profit organization is sponsoring a fundraiser to help the Williams’s family for more information go to www.lecad.org/in_loving_memory. |
