Thousands Expected as Deputy is Remembered

Matt Williams

Thirty-nine year old Deputy Matt Williams is being remembered as a loving husband and father.

And as a canine deputy trainer who loved his police dog - Diogi. Polk County Sgt. Jim Bryan called Williams his right-hand man.

BRYAN: I'm going to miss him no only because I'm his supervisor and I leaned on him. He's my friend.

Another close friend and colleague Deputy Mike Evans described how he will remember Matt.

EVANS: He was a hero. He lived as a hero. He died as a hero. And his legacy in Polk County not only to his friends and families will live on.

Williams will be buried along with the cremated remains of his canine Diogi at Auburndale Cemetery.