The Florida Patriot Guard Honored  SGT Tyler W. Mathews, Palmetto Police Department

The Florida Patriot Guard and the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club honored SGT Tyler Mathews today, August 8, 2006 in Palmetto, Florida.           This was a special and difficult mission for both the Florida Patriot Guard and the Defenders M/C. It is the first mission we ran in the State of Florida for a fallen Police Officer. A loss to our state and nation and a personal loss to the law enforcement community.
We arrived early in the Albertsons Parking lot in Palmetto.
Tom and Jan came from Pinellas with a chase vehicle.	Clayton and fellow Defender Greg talk in the parking lot.
	Ron Liberty, Patriot, rode from Homestead and joined us. The temperatures began to soar early and everyone tried to find a little shade to cool down in. Soon Clayton and Doc Griz gave their pre-ride briefing. It was a short ride from our staging area to the Church where the services were to take place. Riders trickled in right up to the time we saddled up.           Once we arrived at the church the Law Enforcement presence was overwhelming.

	Clayton briefed the riders and welcomed the new members.
We parked our bikes in the grass by the side of the road. The fairgrounds, across from the church, was full of police vehicles and family. Hundreds of family, friends and fellow officers filled the parking lots.           As soon as we dismounted we began forming a flag line. Doc Griz passed out flags and water to the now parched riders. The day was developing into a sweltering Florida afternoon.
Gunner, president of the Defenders M/C of  Tampa heads to the church	Ron checking his gear in front of the church. He left Homestead early this morning to show his respect.
	Not long after the Florida Patriot Guard  arrived contingent of the Blue Knights showed up. About twenty Knights pulled first into the fairgrounds and later on the the side of the road ahead of the Florida Patriot Guard.           Two Defenders M/C members from Lee County were there in uniform. Several other Law Enforcement M/C were present.

Blue Knights and members of the Christian Motorcycle Association line the fence.
One of the Blue Knights had problems. His electrical system went out and a call was made to several local Harley dealers for help. It could not be fixed on the site so eventually a wrecker was sent and the bike was hauled away.          As the service progressed the Florida Patriot Guard stood down and waited in any available shade. When the service neared its end the flag line was reformed.

	As SGT Tyler Mathews' coffin was escorted from the church to the waiting hearse a final salute was rendered by his fellow officers and friends. Soon we began the short ride behind a long line of police vehicles to the Skyway Cemetery. His motorcycle accompanied him to the cemetery and many of the old bikers in the group lowered their passenger pegs in respect.
This bike was ridden all the way from Charleston, South Carolina by a dedicated Patriot Guard Rider. It was a pleasure meeting you CheriLynn

	Today we laid to rest one of America's Finest. A protector and defender of the homefront. Each and everyone of us honored and respected SGT Mathews and we share the communities grief at the loss of this fine Law Enforcement Officer. It was an special honor to be the invited guests of the family of SGT Mathews, an American Hero and brother. You will be missed.