President Donald Trump, alongside his son Eric Trump and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, unveiled the newly created “Medal of Sacrifice” during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Monday, May 19, 2025. The medal was presented to the families and friends of three Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office motorcycle deputies who tragically lost their lives in a crash the previous year. The honorees, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, Cpl. Luis Paez, and Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, were struck by an SUV while they were stopped on the roadside, waiting for assistance after one of their motorcycles broke down.
The incident occurred on Southern Boulevard at approximately 9:30 a.m. on November 21, resulting in the deaths of Waller and Paez on the same day. Deputy Diaz, who was critically injured, passed away four days later. The deputies, who had previously participated in President Trump’s motorcades, were remembered fondly by those in attendance at the ceremony. Eric Trump shared that the idea for the Medal of Sacrifice was inspired by their memorial services, which he, his father, and Mast had attended in December. The medal, designed by the Arnault family, features the word “sacrifice” and three oak leaves symbolizing strength, resilience, and honoring the families of the fallen officers.
During the event, Paez’s son, Cameron, expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his father’s sacrifice, describing him as a hero and role model. The Medal of Sacrifice Act, introduced by Mast earlier that day, establishes a commission to determine eligibility for the award and the procedures for its presentation. President Trump hinted at the possibility of extending the honor to other families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. The solemn occasion served as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities.
