Trump awards first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to fallen officers

President Donald Trump awarded the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to the families of three fallen deputies in Palm Beach County, Florida.

In November 2024, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller were killed in the line of duty while on the side of Southern Boulevard, in Loxahatchee.

"The three officers we recognize today were close friends, who were really close friends and colleagues,” President Trump said during a ceremony honoring the officers on Monday. “Together, they dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and well beyond. They were beloved by everyone and respected by all.”

“This was a terrible tragedy,” he continued. “It shook the entire Palm Beach community like very, very few events I've ever seen. All of Florida mourned their loss. Today, our entire nation joins in honoring these three incredible patriots taken from us much too soon, much, much too soon.”

According to CBS12, the deputies were on motorcycle patrol handling traffic enforcement when they were struck by an SUV that swerved onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle struck a guardrail and barreled straight toward where the deputies were working.

Congressman Brian Mast attended the event honoring the fallen officers and thanked President Trump for creating the new medal.

"That's never taken place before," Mast said. "That recognition. That it's a job that's always dangerous and often deadly, and there's a debt that can never be repaid. But you're willing to recognize that debt. So, thank you, Mr. President, for recognizing the debt."