Trump Presents First-Ever ‘Medals Of Sacrifice’ To Families Of Slain Law Enforcement Officers

The families of three Florida law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty last year were presented the first-ever “Medals of Sacrifice” by President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Monday.

Trump handed out the medals to the loved ones of Cpl. Luis Paez, Jr., Deputy Sheriff Ralph Butch Waller, Jr., and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Dan Diaz, all former officers with the Palm Beach County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office. The officers were killed after they were struck by an SUV on November 21, 2024.

“Today, we also remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medal’s first-ever recipients. It’s a big honor,” Trump said.

“This was a terrible tragedy, shook the entire Palm Beach community like very, very few events I’ve ever seen,” added Trump, whose Mar-a-Lago estate is in Palm Beach County. “All of Florida mourned their loss, and today, our entire nation joins in honoring these three incredible patriots taken from us. Much too soon, much, much too soon.”

.@POTUS announces three fallen Palm Beach County officers killed in the line of duty as the recipients of the first ever Medals of Sacrifice:

Cpl. Luis Paez, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff Ralph Butch Waller, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Dan Diaz.

RIP to these heroes. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5ZTc0gjxP4

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 19, 2025

Paez, Waller, and Diaz were struck as they were on the side of the road attempting to start a broken-down patrol motorcycle following a traffic stop. The driver of the SUV attempted to pass a slower car but overcompensated and hit all three law enforcement officers on the side of the road. A fourth officer who was on his way to help his colleagues restart the motorcycle witnessed the fatal collision.

Paez, 58, had served in law enforcement for 36 years and was described as a “devoted family man.” Fifty-one-year-old Diaz had served for 20 years and received several awards recognizing his work over that time. He is “remembered as a caring and devoted father, partner, and lover of animals.” Waller, 54, had served for 18 years and was known for his “charm, wit, and an infectious smile.” The president told the officers’ loved ones in the Oval Office that the country is “eternally grateful for their sacrifice.”

“We’ll never forget their legacy, and we’ll never forget the debt we owe all of these great law enforcement heroes who have given their lives to keep our communities safe, and make America strong again,” the president added.