A Sad Day In Our Area.

[Virgo10]

Lakeland, Florida - Thousands of people are expected at a Lakeland church today to honor fallen Polk County Sheriff's Deputy Vernon "Matt" Williams. Williams and his K-9 Diogi were shot and killed last Thursday during a traffic stop.

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Peace to his family.

 

[Apothecary]

Our prayers go out to his family and friends. He is a hero.

 

[poohandwendy]

Very sad, my heart goes out to his loved ones and the community. What a tragic loss, both of them.

 

[safetymom]

That is very sad. We passed a very large number of police vehicles and motorcycles on their way to the funeral on I-4 today. My daughter and I got goosebumps. It really reminds you how fragile life is.

 

[mrsv98]

Are they going to bury the dog's ashes with the officer? I think that would be very appropriate. Peace to his family

 

[Virgo10]

Are they going to bury the dog's ashes with the officer? I think that would be very appropriate. Peace to his family

Yes they are. The 5 p.m. news was heartbreaking. Many officers and regular citizens came out to line Rte. 92 (large, heavily travel road) with their dogs. Others held flags or just stood with their hand over their hearts. The ride from the church to the cemetery is normally about 20 minutes. Because of the enormous outpouring of sympathy, it took 3 hours!

 

[PenskeSth1]

Very very sad, It is amazing though how a community comes together in times of tragedy....

 

[Serena]

 

[lesroi]

Oh my, so sad. My brother-in-law and my sister-in-law are both police officers. Did you see all of the K-9 officers at the memorial?

It really is such a shame and a great loss to Polk County, and Florida for that matter.
Tracy

 

[momrek06]

OMG...that is so horribly sad. PRAYERS for the family.

 

[highland3]

As someone in law enforcement in Canada... I'm very sad to say I hadn't heard about this tragic event.

I am very sorry for the loss, not only for Deputy Williams' family, but also for the community.

 

[mommy*RN]

How sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and all whose lives he touched. At least we know he and his K9 friend will be walking the beat on safer streets. God Bless him...

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Absolutely devastating. Keeping this officer's family in my prayers.

 

[JustHolly]

It is soooooo sad! I used to teach one of his children. Seeing how devastated the family is just breaks my heart.

It's a very sad day. I'm glad he had such a nice send-off though.

 

[Maryr1]

God Bless him and his family. May he and his faithful companion rest in peace.

 

[Poohnatic]

This is so sad. Polk County lost a fine officer. Make that two officers;.