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The Defenders Support the Deputy Matthew Williams Poker Run, Lakeland Florida, November 19, 2006

November 19, 2006 a benefit Poker Run was held in Lakeland for fallen Officers, Deputy Matt Williams and his K-9 partner, Officer DiOGi. They were murdered Friday, September 28, 2006 during a routine traffic stop gone bad. They were murdered in the line of duty by a known drug courier. The entire community mourns the death of Officer Williams and his faithful partner, DiOGi. Sunday they showed their support with an outpouring of  love and compassion to the family Sergeant Williams left behind.


The Defenders M/C took a leadership role in organizing this event and members of the Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club came together from all over the state of  Florida in their show of support. Members of the Tampa Chapter who live in St. Petersburg got together at the Pinellas County Courthouse at 5:45 am and rode together to Brandon Harley Davidson in Brandon to meet up with members from Hillsborough county. From there they rode north.

Just outside of Lakeland they met up with more Tampa Chapter members from Lakeland and Polk County. Once the majority of the Tampa Chapter was assembled they rode into Lakeland to the local Harley Davidson dealership where they met up with members from Charolette County, Naples and Jacksonville. Once fully assembled the Defenders rode as one to the Chateau Suzanne in Lakeland where the event was to start. By time we got there the first bikes were already leaving to begin their poker runs.

The day was cold and clear. As the Tampa Chapter left the Brandon Harley Davidson store they became separated in traffic. Two brothers, riding with the morning sun in their eyes went down a few miles from the dealership. Brother Paladin was injured and brother Pegasus had to abandon the run due to damage to his bike. They were missed on the run, but fortunately nobody was critically injured.
The Defenders continued on their mission, delayed by the accident, but arriving in time to meet up with the rest of the club.

An estimated 3,000+ bikers participated in the Poker Run and Memorial ride. They came from all over the state to honor Deputy Williams. The final destination was the Speedway in Lakeland where cards would be turned in and meals served. A band played and the bikers enjoyed the fine weather and good food as they showed their support for the family of Sergeant Williams. The Lakeland PD and Polk County Sheriff's Department had organized everything and it ran smoothly.
 

The Defenders enjoyed getting together again in friendship and brotherhood. We especially appreciated meeting our newest brothers from the Jacksonville Chapter. Hammer and his lady, Weeble"and his lady, "Weeble" and Heat  had made the ride to Lakeland and the rest of the club had the opportunity to welcome them to the brotherhood.
Soon we had our registrations in orders, play cards in hand and meal tickets in pocket. It was time to begin the Poker run.

The Poker Run took the riders through the beautiful countryside surrounding Lakeland. After they completed their stops, drew their cards and moved on they headed to their final destination at the Speedway where food, tshirts and vendors awaited their arrival. As the afternoon wore on they filled the Speedway and enjoyed the fine weather and events.
Snake, the Tampa Chapter President, had spent the night there in preparation for the event. Everything went smoothly and money was raised for a good cause.

The tragic death of Deputy Matt Williams brought together good hearted people from all over Florida. They gathered in a celebration to honor the life of Deputy Matt Williams and pay their respect to his family. Rest in Peace Officer Williams.