The Palm Beach County law enforcement community is reeling from the loss of two veteran deputies, killed in a tragic crash on Thursday morning. A third deputy remains in critical condition after the accident, which occurred at 9:29 a.m. on Southern Boulevard near Lion Country Safari.
“This was an absolute gut punch,” said Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) President John Kazanjian. “Our one surviving deputy is in an induced coma with internal bleeding. It’s devastating, especially around the holidays.”
Details of the Crash and Victims Identified
The deputies, with a combined 64 years of service in PBSO’s motorcycle unit, were conducting traffic enforcement when an SUV veered off the road and struck them. All three deputies were airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where two were pronounced dead, and the third remains in critical condition.
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PBSO spokeswoman Teri Barbera identified the deputies involved in the incident:
- Cpl. Luis Paez (born 1966) had served for more than 36 years with PBSO, starting as a corrections deputy before moving to road patrol and later serving as a motor deputy for over 20 years.
- Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller (born 1970) had been with PBSO for 18 years and had started his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before the merger with PBSO in 2008.
- Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz (born 1973), who was injured in the crash, had been with PBSO since 2004 and had served in the motor unit for over a decade.
Tributes Pour In for Fallen Deputies
The loss of these respected deputies has prompted an outpouring of grief. Friends and colleagues remember Cpl. Paez not only for his dedication to law enforcement but also for his passion for photography. One friend described him as “a shining light with everyone he met” and a person always willing to lend a helping hand.
PBSO has called for support and prayers for Deputy Diaz, who remains in critical condition.
Investigation and Community Response
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is leading the investigation into the crash and has not yet identified the driver of the SUV or determined if charges will be filed. Investigators are considering whether a mechanical malfunction or driver recklessness was a factor in the crash.
Kazanjian urged patience as the investigation continues, stating, “We need to get all the facts and then determine if there should be consequences for the driver or not.”
A vigil was held on Friday evening in honor of the fallen deputies, with many community members in attendance. Governor Ron DeSantis has directed flags in Palm Beach County to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the deputies’ sacrifice.
Conclusion: Honoring the Fallen and Supporting the Survivors
This tragic event highlights the risks law enforcement officers face daily in their commitment to protecting the community. As the PBSO and local community mourn, the legacy of the fallen deputies—Cpl. Paez and Deputy Waller—will be remembered for their service, dedication, and the profound impact they had on those around them. The community continues to support Deputy Diaz as he battles for recovery, hoping for his strength and healing in the days ahead.