PALM BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff for the fallen deputies who tragically passed away during a crash on Thursday.
Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller had been killed in a serious crash on Southern Boulevard in Palm Seaside County. The crash additionally injured Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who underwent surgical procedure later that day and is at the moment within the ICU.
Based on Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, the deputies had been driving their department-issued bikes after they pulled off to the shoulder resulting from one of many deputies having an issue together with his bike.
A girl driving an SUV had veered off into the shoulder after coming upon a automobile driving slower than her, inflicting her to strike all three deputies, sending them “airborne.”
Rushed to the hospital, Corporal Paez and Deputy Sheriff Waller died from their accidents.
“When a deputy dies, a bit of the group dies with them,” the sheriff mentioned.
Based on the governor’s workplace, Corporal Paez started his service in 1988 as a Corrections Deputy, earlier than serving as a Motor Deputy for greater than 20 years. Deputy Sheriff Waller served with Royal Palm Seaside police earlier than transitioning to the Palm Seaside County Sheriff’s Workplace in 2008.
“These courageous officers who made the last word sacrifice will at all times be remembered for his or her braveness and repair,” the governor’s workplace mentioned.
Beginning Friday at 3 p.m. to sundown, the US flag and the State of Florida flag can be flown in Palm Seaside County at half-staff to honor the fallen deputies. The flags will even be at half-staff on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from dawn to sundown.
