President Trump on Monday awarded the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to three Florida law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty.
The medals were awarded to Corporal Luiz Paez Jr., Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr. and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, all members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
All three were killed last November when they were struck by a vehicle while they were waiting on a shoulder for a deputy to come assist with a disabled patrol motorcycle.
“They were beloved by everyone and respected by all. Really, really top of the line people,” Mr. Trump said in the Oval Office. “Countless times, when I was in Florida, they proudly saved and they saved a lot of lives. They were going around saving a lot of lives.”
He said Rep. Brian Mast, Florida Republican, introduced a bill that would award the medal to any officer or first responder who died in the line of duty.
The president thanked the Arnault family, which, through the French luxury goods conglomerate LVMH, owns Tiffany & Co., for help with the design of the medal.
He handed the three medals to the respective families and gave a fourth to other members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
“I hope it never has to be given out, frankly,” he said.
