President Trump presented the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to honor three fallen deputies from Palm Beach County in a solemn Oval Office ceremony that brought together grieving families and officials determined to create a lasting legacy for those who die protecting their communities.
At a Glance
- President Trump awarded the inaugural Medals of Sacrifice posthumously to three deputies killed in the line of duty: Corporal Luis Paez Jr., Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz
- The deputies lost their lives in November 2024 when they were struck by an SUV while on motorcycle patrol in Loxahatchee, Florida
- The ceremony, held on May 20, 2025, coincided with National Police Week
- Congressman Brian Mast has introduced legislation to ensure the medal is awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who dies while serving
- The medals, designed by Tiffany’s, feature silver and 24-carat gold with the United States coat of arms
Historic Recognition for Fallen Officers
In an unprecedented move, President Trump bestowed the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to honor three Palm Beach County deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their community. The ceremony, held in the Oval Office on May 20, 2025, recognized Corporal Luis Paez Jr., Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., and Deputy Sheriff Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who were killed in November 2024 when they were struck by an SUV while on motorcycle patrol in Loxahatchee, Florida. The medal ceremony, coinciding with National Police Week, marked a significant milestone in recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the nation.
During the ceremony, President Trump spoke with emotion about the fallen officers and their dedication to public service. Family members of the deputies were present to receive the medals, creating a powerful moment that highlighted both personal loss and national gratitude. The medals themselves are exquisite works of craftsmanship, designed by Tiffany’s and manufactured in Rhode Island, featuring silver and 24-carat gold with the United States coat of arms—physical symbols of the nation’s respect and remembrance for those who gave everything in service to their communities.
Three deputies of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office who died in the line of duty were honored on Monday in Washington, D.C., with the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice, awarded by President Donald Trump. https://t.co/03D1LnEp2x
— NBC 6 South Florida (@nbc6) May 20, 2025
Presidential Commitment to First Responders
The creation of the Medal of Sacrifice addresses what many viewed as a significant gap in national recognition for fallen first responders. Eric Trump, who was instrumental in the medal’s creation, noted the absence of such an honor despite the existence of various other national awards. Working with Tiffany’s, the Trump administration developed a medal worthy of the sacrifice it commemorates. President Trump emphasized that this new tradition would continue, ensuring all future fallen officers receive proper recognition from the highest office in the land.
Congressman Brian Mast, who attended the ceremony, has introduced legislation to formalize the Medal of Sacrifice program. The bill would ensure that any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives their life in the line of duty will receive this presidential recognition. This legislative effort transforms what could have been a one-time ceremony into an enduring national commitment to honor the fallen. The bipartisan support for the measure reflects a rare moment of unity in recognizing the value of those who serve in law enforcement and emergency services.
What a great honor to stand alongside Congressman @BrianMastFL and Congressman @ByronDonalds in the Oval Office as President @realDonaldTrump awarded the Presidential Medal of Sacrifice to the families of fallen Palm Beach County heroes:
Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller
Corporal Luis… pic.twitter.com/OJ8ujWwM6f— Megforflorida (@megforflorida) May 21, 2025
A Legacy of Honor and Remembrance
The significance of this new presidential recognition extends beyond the individual officers honored in the inaugural ceremony. As Congressman Mast noted during the event, this represents the first time in American history that the sacrifice of first responders will be formally recognized from the office of the presidency. The establishment of the Medal of Sacrifice creates a lasting legacy that ensures future generations will continue to honor those who fall while protecting their communities. It also sends a clear message about the value the nation places on law enforcement during a period when many officers have felt underappreciated.
For the families of Corporal Paez, Deputy Waller, and Deputy Diaz, the medals represent national acknowledgment of their loved ones’ courage and sacrifice. While nothing can replace what they have lost, the ceremony provided a moment of honor and recognition at the highest level of government. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which lost three dedicated members in a single tragic incident, now has a permanent memorial of presidential recognition to complement local remembrances. As the Medal of Sacrifice program continues, it will create a national tapestry of remembrance for those who give everything in service to their fellow citizens.
