By Kevin Duchschere
Star Tribune
PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Members of the public lined roads in Plymouth and Wayzata on Thursday to pay their respects and bid farewell to Wayzata Police Officer William Mathews, killed last week by a motorist who struck him while he was clearing debris from a highway.
A lengthy procession was to begin after the close of Mathews’ funeral at Wayzata Free Church in Plymouth, where he was eulogized as a conscientious officer with a friendly smile and big heart.
The funeral, which ran a little longer than an hour, was attended by hundreds of law enforcement officers from across Minnesota and around the nation.
It was to be followed with a 3-mile procession taking a horse-drawn caisson with Mathews’ flag-draped casket from the church to his final resting place in Summit Park Cemetery, Wayzata.
Thousands of law enforcement officers from around the United States and Canada were expected to lead the procession along a route going down Hwy. 101 to Lake Street in downtown Wayzata, festooned with blue balloons in tribute to Mathews, and then to Wayzata Boulevard. Hwy. 12 ramps were to be closed at Hwy. 101 for the procession.
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Wayzata Police Officer Dan Lee said at the funeral that Mathews was a dedicated police partner who became “a more dedicated friend.”
“With Bill, there was never goodbye ... After every shift, he’s simply say, ‘Enjoy,’ ” Lee said.
Mathews received full honors, as he had requested in the event he lost his life in the line of duty.
Pastor Kevin Meyer greeted the mourners while standing before the flag-draped casket. Nearby were sprays of flowers and framed pictures of Mathews with his family and on the job.
“I have seldom seen such an outpouring of love ... from blue ribbons on bridges to blue lights on porches,” Meyer said.
Friends and family members read scripture passages and preached on them, and a sister-in-law read a message from Mathews’ widow, Shawn, and their 7-year-old son, Wyatt, thanking those gathered for their love and support.
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“Bill lived his life to serve as an officer ... He showed up early and he stayed late. He deeply cared about his Wayzata police family,” she said.
“Bill had a big heart, a strong work ethic and we all knew he was a nice guy,” said Lee, his badge wrapped with a black ribbon.
Lee said that Mathews covered him on calls even when he didn’t need to, and didn’t hesitate to take a call when his partner was eating.
“If you should happen to fall, then we’ll fall together,” was Mathews’ philosophy, he said.
“On Sept. 8, 2017, a piece of myself and everyone who knew Bill died on that day,” said Lee, his voice breaking.
Row upon row of officers from numerous Minnesota departments -- dressed in uniforms of blue, black, khaki, brown and maroon -- filled the church.
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Gov. Mark Dayton, who was at the funeral, ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide on Thursday in Mathews’ honor. Officials at the funeral included Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek and Hennepin County Commissioner Jeff Johnson.
Giant video screens were set up in the church parking lot to accommodate the hundreds who showed up for the services but unable to fit inside. Spouses of law enforcement officers handed out blue and white roses.
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A visitation at the church was held Wednesday at the church, where dozens lined up to pay their respects.
Beth Freeman, 54, of Mound, has been charged in connection with Mathews’ death. She made her first court appearance Tuesday, and prosecutors said she had been talking on her cellphone and under the influence of drugs when she struck Mathews.
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©2017 the Star Tribune (Minneapolis)