Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw confirmed two deputies have died and a third is in critical condition after being hit by an SUV along Southern Blvd. on Thursday, November 21.
The three officers had drove to the roadside with a defective PBSO motorcycle, waiting for a fourth deputy and jumper cables when the 31-year-old woman spun out in an attempt to avoid a collision with the slower car in front of her. The officers were flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
Florida’s police unions and sheriff’s departments expressed their support both online and in person. Hours after the crash, law enforcement officers, including deputies from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, held a procession for the officer in critical condition and the two were killed. Florida leaders and politicians took to social media to share their condolences and pray for the families.
Read the full story: Everything we know about the crash that killed two PBSO officers and seriously injured a third
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is remembering deputies who were injured and killed in a crash
Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller has served with distinction in our Motor Unit for over 18 years. He began his career in law enforcement with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department and earned a reputation for dedication and professionalism before the department merged with PBSO in… pic.twitter.com/V1jy4LiaCo
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) November 22, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez dedicated more than 36 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career with PBSO in January 1988 as a corrections deputy. He later moved to Road Patrol and eventually served passionately as a motorcycle officer for over twenty years. His dedication… pic.twitter.com/uM692nUwQx
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) November 22, 2024
This is our hero, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who is currently fighting for his life. Deputy Diaz joined PBSO in 2004 and has been a valued member of our Motor Unit for over 10 years. He is currently in critical condition. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for him and his family… pic.twitter.com/PHH4TGHvQo
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) November 22, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share the loss of two of our own: Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller. Both were tragically struck and killed by a driver on Southern Blvd while conducting traffic enforcement. Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz was also critical… pic.twitter.com/AaTzOH3gJS
— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) November 21, 2024
Our PBSO family mourns a great loss today. This tragedy has had a deep impact not only on our Motor Unit, but on our entire agency. We ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate this heartbreaking time. #SheriffRicBradshaw pic.twitter.com/gluKyoYJVY
— Sheriff Ric Bradshaw (@RicBradshaw) November 22, 2024
Florida County Sheriffs and police unions express their condolences to PBSO
The Florida Highway Patrol extends its deepest condolences to the @PBCuntySheriff family, friends and loved ones of the two deputies who died in a tragic crash, while another remains in critical condition. https://t.co/NAZv18Qlom
— FLHSMV (@FLHSMV) November 21, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department motorcycle officers in yesterday’s accident. Our sincere condolences go out to their families, friends and colleagues. #YourBestChoiceMDCPS pic.twitter.com/H9JAKRpCAU
— Miami-Dade SchoolsPD (@MDSPD) November 22, 2024
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincere condolences to the members of the @PBCuntySheriffthe residents of Palm Beach County, and the friends and families of the victims of the horrific crash in Loxahatchee Thursday morning, November 21st.
We pray for the families of…
— Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) November 22, 2024
We extend our sincere condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deputies’ families, friends, colleagues and the entire community during this difficult time. Rest in peace pic.twitter.com/t1WEqSqKZ3
–Sheriff Gregory Tony, Ph.D. (@bsosherifftony) November 21, 2024
Law enforcement officers honor PBSO deputies who were killed during a memorial parade Thursday
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James issues a statement of condolence
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James released a statement about the crash on the City of West Palm Beach website Friday.
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James is calling on county commissioners to approve the plan for a Vanderbilt business school in his city.
“We are so saddened by the news of the recent loss of the PBSO officers who gave their lives to protect our community. Their unwavering commitment to protect and serve will forever be remembered and appreciated by our community,” James wrote in the statement. “Unfortunately, they made the ultimate sacrifice while working to protect the safety of our community. Our community owes each of them an eternal debt of gratitude.”
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased. There can be no worse pain than hearing that your loved one will not be coming home,” he continued. “To each of the family members of the deceased, our thoughts and prayers that you may receive supernatural strength to get through this most difficult time.”
The mayor ended his statement with a prayer that both the PBSO family and the deputies’ families “will find a source of supernatural comfort and peace” during this difficult time.
“May God bless you all.”
More Florida politicians and government officials are shining light on fatal car crash
Our thoughts are with the families of the two @PBCuntySheriff deputies who died today when their motorcycles were struck by a driver in Palm Beach. @CaseyDeSantis and I pray for your comfort during this difficult time.
We also pray for a quick and complete…
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) November 22, 2024
I just talked to sheriff @RicBradshaw to let him know that Ann and I are praying for the @PBCuntySheriff team, the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured.
Our brave men and women in uniform willingly put their lives on the line every day to protect us, but…
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 21, 2024
This morning we are heartbroken by the tragic loss of two Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies, while another is fighting for his life after a crash on Southern Boulevard in Loxahatchee. pic.twitter.com/u3BM5tlMQ9
— Mike Caruso (@RepMikeCaruso) November 21, 2024
Ashley Ferrer is a journalist at The Palm Beach Postpart of the USA TODAY Florida Network. Support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: PBSO deputies killed in car crash on Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach
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