September 28, 2006, Deputy Matt Williams and his K-9 partner Diogi were patrolling Polk County trying to keep it safe for the residents. Another deputy had made a traffic stop and when the man driving started to give him a hard time, the officer called for back up. Matt Williams and ‘Diogi’ were the ones who responded to back him up, never realizing this would be their last call to protect people. The person ran into some very dense underbrush and Matt and Diogi followed without any hesitation on their part as this was what they had been trained to do. Minutes later, shots were heard and Diogi was shot in chest trying to protect his partner who also was hit more than 8 times and
both died at the scene.
Some officers might have waited for more backup but not these two – they were always ready at a moments notice to do their job. Matt Williams had been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Department for 12 years and his K-9 partner Diogi for 6 years. There was a very close bond between these two, as there usually is with canine officers and their dogs, but somehow this one was different. Matt would take Diogi to schools and demonstrate how a police dog works, how he’s trained and how friendly he could be unless you messed with his partner or his family.
Both Matt and Diogi had been awarded numerous medals for their courage and bravery.
The following is a quote from Sheriff Grady Judd:
“He will ever be etched in our hearts and in our souls,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “Some faced with a dangerous and deadly gunfight would say, ‘Why me?’ Matt would tell you today, ‘Why not me?’ ”
This quote is from one of Matt’s closest friends:
“A man remembered never, ever dies,” one of Williams’ colleagues and best friends, Mike Evans, told the assembled mourners.
Matt and Diogi were buried together so that they could be together in death as they had been in life.
More than 5,000 law enforcement officials and the public turned out to honor this brave deputy and his K-9 Diogi. At the gravesite they had a tribute worthy of one who had so unselfishly given his life to protect others. There was a ‘missing’ man helicopter flyover, a riderless horse, 21 gun salute and more than 400 K-9 units showed up to pay their last respects to their fallen comrades.
May GOD Hold Deputy Matt Williams, His K-9 Partner ‘Diogi’ and his family in the Palm of His Hand and Angels Watch Over Them Always!
May they now rest in peace!
Officers & their K-9 dogs from Polk Cty Sheriff’s Dept.
| MATT & DIOGI |
| 28, Sep 2006 |
| Deputy Matt Williams/Polk County Sheriff's Dept. |