Memorial Service Honors Fallen Palm Beach Deputies

The Palm Beach County community is set to honor three deputies from the Sheriff's Office who were tragically killed in a traffic accident on November 21 while performing traffic enforcement duties. Corporal Luis Páez, Deputy Ralph Butch Waller, and Deputy Ignacio Diaz were struck by a Jeep SUV while stopped on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard. A memorial service and procession will take place on December 3, starting at Palms West Funeral Home and concluding at iThink Financial Amphitheater, with public attendance encouraged. The service comes after a week of mourning, particularly following Diaz's death on November 25 from injuries sustained in the crash. The deputies were celebrated for their dedication to service, and donations in their honor are requested to support their families. This incident marks a rare and profound loss, with Sheriff Ric Bradshaw noting it had never occurred in the agency's 100-year history.