The Palm Beach County community is coming together in the wake of a tragedy that struck last week when three of its deputies, part of the motorcycle unit of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, lost their lives in a devastating crash. Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller were involved in an accident on Southern Boulevard, casting a shadow of mourning over law enforcement and locals alike.
The Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation (LEAF), has announced they will give $25,000 to each of the bereaved families. Created in 1986 after a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy was shot multiple times, LEAF has been a pillar of support for law enforcement families during times of dire need. "We work immediately. We’re very swift in getting relief to the families in their time of need. And unfortunately, this is one of the more catastrophic events that we’ve had to encounter," LEAF President John Wegner said in a statement obtained by WPTV.
The tragic event occurred last Thursday when the three deputies, stopped on the roadside to assist with a motorcycle issue, were hit by an SUV. Diaz passed away from his injuries on Monday after Paez and Waller had been pronounced dead at the scene. Dedicated servants, the three officers had served as escorts for then-President-elect Donald Trump, as per sources. The South Florida community has been described as "salt-of-the-earth public servants," according to attorney Edward Kone speaking with Local 10 News.
Vigils have been held to honor the memory of the fallen officers, leaving behind not just mourning families but a grieving community. Collectively, though reeling from this loss, the spirit of solidarity is strong, with support efforts underway. The Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association has set up a fund to help the families and the LEAF foundation is ensuring continued assistance. "To serve and protect was their oath—honoring them is our duty," as the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office poignantly expressed in a post quoted by NBC Miami.
