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$25,000 on its way to families of fallen Palm Beach County deputies

LEAF Foundation helps Palm Beach County law enforcement families in tragedy

In the immediate aftermath of three Palm Beach County deputies passing away following a devastating wreck on Southern Boulevard last week, an organization is stepping in to help. Starting Tuesday, $25,000 is being distributed to the families of Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, and Corporal Luis Paez. All three were motorcycle deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

By: Mike Trim , Matt Papaycik

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In the immediate aftermath of three Palm Beach County deputies passing away following a devastating wreck on Southern Boulevard last week, an organization is stepping in to help.

Starting Tuesday, $25,000 is being distributed to the families of Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller and Corporal Luis Paez. All three were motorcycle deputies with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller (left), Corporal Luis Paez (middle), and Deputy Ignacio Diaz (right).jpg — Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller (left), Corporal Luis Paez (middle), and Deputy Ignacio Diaz (right).

The deputies were struck by a Jeep SUV on Nov. 21 while stopped on the shoulder of Southern Boulevard, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

The assistance is available through the Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation (LEAF). It was created after Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Bohne was shot five times by a suspect in 1986.

WPTV News anchor Mike Trim introduced you to Bohne earlier this year when he was inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.

In the wake of Bohne’s shooting, fellow law enforcement rallied around to support him. He did the same months later for another deputy.

Now, for 36 years, LEAF has quickly helped law enforcement families in times of death and serious injury.

The 21st accident with three deputies is like something they’ve never seen.

“We work immediately. We’re very swift in getting relief to the families in their time of need. And unfortunately, this is one of the more catastrophic events that we’ve had to encounter and deal with during the course of the 30 years we’ve been involved with this foundation, granting officers relief and their families," LEAF President John Wegner said.

LEAF leadership said the organization continues to check in on the families and provide help for years to come.

LEAF raises funds through a big golf fundraiser in April.

If you'd like to learn how you can help this foundation help other law enforcement families in need, click here.

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