WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Palm Beach County community gathered Tuesday in West Palm Beach to remember the lives of three fallen deputies.
WATCH MEMORIAL SERVICE BELOW:
The motormen were killed while on duty in a tragic crash last month when a driver slammed into them in the 18000 block of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, near Lion Country Safari.
More than a week ago, Deputy Ignacio Diaz became the third Palm Beach County Sheriff motorman to lose his life after the Nov. 21 crash.
“It’s just tough when one deputy dies, but three at one time is -- well, it’s never happened in the 100-year history of this agency,” Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said.
On Tuesday, loved ones along with the public watched along as the bodies of the fallen heroes were carried out of the funeral home.
“It’s a big town, but it’s a very small community,” Alex Torres, who watched the procession, said.
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The procession was led by law enforcement motormen from several different South Florida agencies. The bodies were taken to the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, where the memorial service was held Tuesday.
“We really wanted make sure that we were available today to make sure that we spent time to honor them,” Michael Rintoul, who watched the procession, said.
Corporal Luis Páez and Deputies Ralph Butch Waller and Diaz were on the side of the road, waiting for road service on one of their motorcycles, when a woman behind the wheel of an SUV plowed into them.
“They never saw it coming, they never had a chance to do any evasive action, they never had a chance to try to save their selves,” Bradshaw said.
Corporal Páez was a 36-year veteran with the sheriff’s office, Deputy Waller was on the force for more than 18 years and Deputy Diaz had been with PBSO since 2004.
“A lot of accidents happen every year because people aren’t paying attention to motorcycles and people out on the road,” Torres said.
The U.S. Honor Flag landed earlier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport where an honor guard delivered the revered symbol of patriotism and sacrifice to honor the fallen three.
“These guys are special,” retired PBSO Deputy Bryan Hack said. “Can’t make them anymore special.”
Those in attendance Tuesday who spoke with Local 10 News said it’s not OK to only support law enforcement during tragedy, but every day.
“I think it’s emotional,” Rintoul said. “I think we see how these people risk their lives every day for us.”