By Sarah Roebuck
Police1
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has identified two motorcycle deputies who died after they were struck by a vehicle.
The deputies were identified as Corporal Luis Paez and Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller. Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz was also critically injured in the crash and is currently fighting for his life, the sheriff’s office said.
The crash happened on Nov. 21 while the three deputies were working traffic enforcement, NBC Miami reports. One of the deputy’s motorcycles wouldn’t start, so the three were standing on a grassy area on the side of the road while they waited for jumper cables.
A driver of an SUV “overcompensated” when trying to avoid a stopped vehicle, causing the SUV to veer into a grassy area where the three deputies were standing, NBC Miami reports.
Paez, one of the deputies killed in the crash, dedicated more than 36 years to law enforcement, the sheriff’s office said in a statement. He began his career with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in January 1988 as a corrections deputy before transitioning to Road Patrol, where he served as a motor deputy for over two decades.
Waller, another deputy killed in the crash served with distinction in PBSO’s motor unit for more than 18 years. His law enforcement career began with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department, which merged with PBSO in October 2008, the sheriff’s office said.
The third deputy, Diaz, remains in critical but stable condition following the crash. A member of PBSO since 2004, he has served in the motor unit for more than a decade.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said the three deputies were also a part of President-elect Donald Trump’s escort detail.
“We are mourning the loss of our brothers who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting Palm Beach County,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said in a statement provided to NBC Miami. “We stand together, honoring their memory and supporting their families, friends and colleagues through this time of immense sorrow. Let us remember their courage and commitment to duty as we pledge to continue their legacy of service.”
The driver, who is not currently facing charges, did not show signs of impairment, according to Bradshaw. He described the incident as a “horrific accident.”
“Law enforcement, public safety and the military are the only professions when you leave your house and kiss your family goodbye, that might be the last time,” Bradshaw said during a news conference.