BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Three Palm Beach County deputies killed in a 2024 traffic crash were posthumously honored by President Trump with the first-ever Medal of Sacrifice, a new national tribute for law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty.
In a solemn ceremony at the White House, former President Donald Trump awarded the inaugural Medals of Sacrifice to three Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies killed in a devastating crash last year. The honor, created to recognize law enforcement and first responders who die in the line of duty, was awarded posthumously to Corporal Luis Paez Jr., Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz.
The three PBSO motor deputies were fatally struck on November 21, 2024, by a vehicle on Southern Boulevard while assisting with traffic enforcement. Cpl. Paez and D/S Waller died at the scene. D/S Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days later after fighting for his life in critical condition.
Corporal Paez had served with PBSO for over 36 years, including more than two decades with the motor unit. Deputy Waller, a veteran of 18 years in the motor unit, joined PBSO after the Royal Palm Beach Police Department merged with the sheriff’s office in 2008. Deputy Diaz had been a member of PBSO since 2004, serving over 10 years with the motor unit.
President Trump, who attended the deputies’ memorial service last year, spoke emotionally about the loss. “This was a terrible tragedy. It shook the entire Palm Beach community like very, very few events I’ve ever seen,” he said, standing in the Oval Office with the families of the fallen officers. “All of Florida mourned their loss, and today our entire nation joins in honoring these three incredible patriots taken from us much too soon.”
The Medal of Sacrifice, introduced by Congressman Brian Mast of Florida earlier that day, will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who dies in the line of duty. Trump credited the inception of the medal to a simple but powerful question raised during the memorial: “Why is there no medal of valor or sacrifice for law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty?”
Eric Trump recounted the immediate efforts following the funeral to turn that question into action. “Here we are roughly six months later with something truly beautiful,” he said, praising the Tiffany & Co. design, crafted in Rhode Island from silver and plated in 24-karat gold. Alexander Arnault, of the famed Arnaud family who owns Tiffany, also attended the ceremony and noted that Tiffany has a long heritage of crafting important American honors, including the Medal of Honor.
The families of all three deputies were present for the ceremony. Paez’s former wife, Doris, and his son, Cameron; Waller’s wife, Denise; and Diaz’s daughter, Alexandria, each accepted the medals in an emotional tribute.
“I viewed my dad as Superman,” said Cameron Paez. “Someone my whole life you look up to… But I’m glad that something was done about it and we got represented — and everyone in the future will be.”
The Medal of Sacrifice, Trump said, will remain part of the nation’s ongoing tribute to its fallen heroes. “We’ll never forget their legacy,” he said. “And we will never forget the debt we owe all of these great law enforcement heroes who have given their lives to keep our community safe and make America strong again.”
Sheriff Rick Bradshaw and members of the PBSO command staff attended the event, expressing deep gratitude for the national recognition. “We can’t thank you enough for taking the lead on this and recognizing the extreme sacrifice of our three brothers,” one PBSO representative said.
Trump concluded the ceremony by presenting an additional medal to PBSO, to be awarded if such tragedy ever strikes again. “Hopefully, it never has to be given out,” he said. “Frankly, I hope it just stays here.”
