By Joanna Putman
Police1
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — In the wake of a tragic crash that killed three Palm Beach County motorcycle deputies, a 9-year-old boy is making a heartfelt effort to support the family of one of the fallen officers, WPTV reported.
Charlie Allsup set up a lemonade and cookie stand to raise tuition money for the family of Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who was fatally injured in the Nov. 21 crash, according to the report.
Diaz, a veteran of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office since 2004, was one of three deputies struck by an SUV while stopped on the shoulder of the road. Despite fighting for his life, Diaz succumbed to his injuries on Nov. 25. He had served on the motor unit for more than a decade and was remembered as a loving and joyful person dedicated to helping others, according to the report.
Charlie, whose sister attends the same daycare as Diaz’s son, was moved to help.
“He asked me if there was a way we could raise money to try to help the family,” Charlie’s mother, Christina Allsup, told WPTV. “We’re trying to pay off as much of their tuition as possible so that they have one less thing to worry about during this difficult time.”
So far, Charlie has raised enough to cover four or five months of tuition for the family and plans to donate electronics as well, according to the report.
Thousands attended a Dec. 3 memorial service for Diaz and his colleagues, Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller and Cpl. Luis Paez. Waller served with the sheriff’s office for over 18 years, while Paez had a law enforcement career spanning 36 years, including more than 20 years as a motor deputy, according to the report.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association Fund to support the families of the fallen deputies.
