The families of Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller, Cpl. Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz gathered on Monday to honor their loved ones, who were tragically killed in a crash last year. During a ceremony hosted by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), they received financial support from the community—nearly $700,000 in donations raised between November 21 and January 21.
Each family was presented with checks exceeding $200,000, a gesture meant to provide immediate relief for the burdens they now face. John Kazanjian, president of the state and county Police Benevolent Association, acknowledged that while the donations offer some assistance, the loss endured by the families is immeasurable.
“The families’ nightmare doesn’t end here. It goes on day after day and year after year,” Kazanjian said.
A Community in Mourning
The three deputies lost their lives on November 21 when a driver struck them as they stood on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard. Waller and Paez died at the scene, while Diaz succumbed to his injuries days later.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw spoke at the ceremony, expressing the profound grief shared by the department and the community.
“The hardest thing that I have to do is look these families in the eyes and see the tremendous pain that they have,” Bradshaw said. “There’s nothing that I can say. There’s nothing I can do.”
Paez’s fiancée, Doris Mendez-DeMaio, attended with his son, mother, and sister. His family described him as loving, fun, and passionate about photography. His sister, Tonya Wiedel, recalled how he walked her down the aisle at her wedding, a cherished memory of his kindness.
For Denise Waller, Ralph Waller’s wife, grief remains overwhelming. She expressed gratitude for the financial support but admitted that nothing can prepare someone for this kind of loss. She said:
You know it’s a possibility, but you don’t know how to handle it until it happens to you.
A Hero To Us All
Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who moved from Cuba to the U.S. as a child, had dreamed of being a police officer since he was six years old. His daughter, Alexandria Diaz, shared that her father never gave up on anything—his perseverance and dedication were traits he passed on to his family.
As family members exchanged memories and embraced deputies who worked alongside their loved ones, the emotion in the room was undeniable. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and the reality of loss was felt deeply.
Though financial support can help ease the immediate challenges these families face, nothing can replace the lives lost. The Palm Beach County community continues to stand behind them, offering strength and remembrance for the sacrifices made by these fallen deputies.
The Wellington Journal extends its deepest gratitude to the Palm Beach County community for coming together to support the families of Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller, Cpl. Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Diaz. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we stand in solidarity with their loved ones during this difficult time.
