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Vernon Matthew Williams
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Matt Williams and his K9 partner, Diogi, were shot and killed while pursuing a suspect who had fled on foot during a traffic stop.
Another deputy had stopped the vehicle for a traffic violation, and the suspect fled on foot into an adjacent wooded area.
Deputy Williams and K9 Diogi arrived moments later and began searching for the suspect with the other deputy. The suspect opened fire on the deputies as they tracked him, shooting Deputy Williams eight times and killing him. K9 Diogi was also shot and killed. The other deputy was shot once in the leg and wounded. Deputy Williams was not wearing a vest.
Later in the day, the killer emerged from the woods and fired at a Lakeland Police Department officer who was alerting residents to stay away from the area. The officer returned fire as the killer fled back into the woods.
The killer was located by SWAT team members the following day, hiding underneath a fallen tree that had been covered by underbrush. The man was shot and killed by the officers when he failed to obey their commands and displayed a firearm.
Deputy Williams had served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for 12 years and was assigned to the Northwest District K-9 Unit.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Williams gave the Polk County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Winter Haven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Polk County Sheriff's Department has lost 18 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
Vernon is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
Vernon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Vernon is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2006, 1 officer at Polk County Sheriff's Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2006, 5 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 2006, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2006, 79 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Vernon was 39. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Polk County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45.5; the middle age was 39. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 12 years.
Vernon was 39. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Vernon was 39. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Vernon was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Vernon had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 42.9% of these deaths at Polk County Sheriff's Department, more than any other month. Thursdays: 28.6%.
September holds 9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 38.9% of all 18 deaths at Polk County Sheriff's Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; 9 mm, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Polk County Sheriff's Department has 18 officers remembered here, Vernon among them.
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Oliver Thomas Smith Jan 16, 1922
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J. Edward Harrelson
Dec 21, 1926
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Frank Dixon Sep 22, 1932
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Leon Alexander Bernard
Apr 9, 1963
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Paul Andrew Powell
May 26, 1967
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Sollie Waller Rabun, Jr.
Mar 3, 1974
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Theron Anthony Burnham
Jan 9, 1981
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Waymon Dee Allen
Mar 15, 1987
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David Michael Goddard
Feb 2, 1989
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Larry Willis Rhoden
Oct 22, 2001
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Gene Brian Wilkinson
Oct 22, 2001
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Vernon Matthew Williams
Sep 28, 2006
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Ronnie O'Neal Brown
Sep 8, 2009
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Wesley Richard Whitmore, Jr.
Dec 12, 2010
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Joseph Robbins
Apr 26, 2013
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Ricky Carlton Anderson
Feb 21, 2016
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Christopher Broadhead
Aug 23, 2021
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Blane Lane
Oct 4, 2022
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 52-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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