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Memorial service held in Florida for 3 sheriff's deputies killed in crash

Deputy Ignacio 'Dan' Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph 'Butch' Waller and Cpl. Luis Paez were all killed on Nov. 21 in a crash in Palm Beach County.
Memorial service for Cpl. Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ralph 'Butch' Waller and Deputy Ignacio 'Dan' Diaz at South Florida Fairgrounds on Dec. 3, 2024.
3 fallen Palm Beach County deputies with procession blurred background
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The community came together Tuesday to honor the lives of three Palm Beach County deputies who were killed in a devastating crash last month.

A public memorial, which lasted about two hours, was held for Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller and Cpl. Luis Paez at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in Florida.

People lined streets to honor the deputies as a law enforcement procession left the Palms West Funeral Home along State Road 7 on its way to the amphitheater. The service began at about 11:15 a.m. and concluded just after 1 p.m.

The public lined streets to honor the lives of three fallen deputies ahead of a memorial service at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Dec. 3, 2024.
The public lined streets to honor the lives of three fallen deputies ahead of a memorial service at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Dec. 3, 2024.

President-elect Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were in attendance along with other elected officials.

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., gave brief remarks at the memorial service.

"I knew them. We met at Veteran's Day parades and along motorcade routes We shared the road as we fired up our Harleys on motorcycle runs, and we shared sanctuaries in churches," Mast said. "I cannot pretend that I knew them well, but they were always present, always on watch because it was their calling to protect every person in this community from danger — even those of us that they barely knew. Nothing could be more selfless."

WATCH BELOW: Mast says courage of fallen deputies 'was as natural as breathing'

US Rep. Brian Mast says courage of fallen deputies 'was as natural as breathing'

Mast said their courage and bravery were unmatched.

"They knew full well the hazards of their chosen profession, patrolling inches from death all day, every day," Mast said. "Yet, they never stood down, never asked that another be sent forward instead of them because for their lives courage was as natural as breathing."

Family members and friends of each of the fallen deputies spoke at the service.

Alexandria Diaz, the daughter of Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, gave a poignant speech to honor her father.

"My dad always had a passion for law enforcement," she said. "Since he was 6 years old, he always had a desire to be a police officer."

She said he took pride in arresting suspects accused of drunk driving, receiving awards for making more than 100 DUI arrests each year.

WATCH BELOW: Daughter of Ignacio "Dan" Diaz says father 'persevered no matter what'

Daughter of Ignacio 'Dan Diaz remembers father as 'so kind' he never used the word 'hate'

Diaz said her dad was an "amazing" cook who made a "mean chili" and was a "lover of animals of all sizes."

"He was funny, insanely funny," Diaz said. "He could make anyone laugh. He gave everyone a silly nickname."

WATCH BELOW: President-elect Trump attends memorial service

President-elect Donald Trump attends memorial service for Palm Beach County deputies

Agencies from surrounding counties, across Florida and other states attended the services to pay respects to their fallen comrades.

Scripps News West Palm Beach reporter Tyler Hatfield spoke to Martin County Sheriff William Snyder who said their honor guard will be a part of the service. Also, their motor units were in attendance. Snyder said about 12-15 patrol cars with deputies were part of a convoy to show support for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said that, in lieu of flowers, the public is asked to consider making a donation to the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association Fund to support the families of fallen deputies by clicking here.

This story was originally published by Scott Sutton and Hollani Davis at Scripps News West Palm Beach.