Florida law enforcement, lawmakers react to deaths of Palm Beach County deputies

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Law enforcement agencies and Florida lawmakers shared their thoughts following a crash on Southern Boulevard that claimed the lives of three Palm Beach County deputies on Nov. 21.

>> RELATED: Hundreds of law enforcement officers pay respects to fallen deputies

Gov. Ron DeSantis

"Our thoughts are with the families of the two Palm Beach County Sheriff deputies who lost their lives today when their motorcycles were struck by a driver in Palm Beach. Casey DeSantis and I are praying for your comfort in this difficult time. We are also praying for the quick and full recovery of the deputy who is currently undergoing treatment."

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott

"Just spoke to Sheriff Ric Bradshaw to let him know Ann and I are praying for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office team, the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured. Our brave men and women in uniform willingly put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, but devastating news like this never ceases to catch us off guard."

U.S. Rep. Brian Mast

"The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies who have tragically lost their lives while on duty will never be forgotten. Their commitment to our community was unwavering, and I honor their sacrifice and thank them for their service. My prayers are with their families."

Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg

"Devastating news about the two Palm Beach County deputies who lost their lives while on duty today in a horrific crash. A third deputy is in critical condition fighting for his life. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and co-workers of these brave public servants."

West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James

"We are so saddened by the news of the recent loss of the PBSO officers who gave their lives to protect our community. Their unwavering commitment to protect and serve will forever be remembered and appreciated by our community. Unfortunately, they paid the ultimate sacrifice as they worked to protect the safety of our community.  Our community owes each of them an eternal debt of gratitude.  Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the deceased. There can be no worse pain than to learn that your loved one will not be coming back home.  To each of the family members of the deceased, our thoughts and prayers for you to receive supernatural strength to get through this most difficult time. To the entire PBSO family and to the families of the injured officers, we pray that each and every one of you find a source of supernatural comfort and peace during the trying days ahead. May God bless you all."
 —  Mayor Keith A. James

State Rep. Jervonte Edmonds

"I was shocked by the news of the tragic accident and passing of Cpl. Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph Waller. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of these brave men who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting their communities. Their dedication and courage will not be forgotten. We stand with you in mourning and offer our deepest condolences during this difficult time. In addition, I will continue to pray for Deputy Diaz as he recovers from this horrible accident."

Palm Beach County School District Police Department

"Many of our officers knew these deputies very well. We are all heartbroken by this tragic accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Deputies Paez, Waller and Diaz as well as the entire PBSO family. It is difficult to articulate how deeply incidents like this impact our law enforcement community. But, we will support one another through this difficult time and we will continue to honor our oath to protect and serve the community even while trying to heal from this loss."
 — Chief Sarah J. Mooney

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

"The Florida Highway Patrol extends its deepest condolences to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office family, friends, and loved ones of the two deputies who lost their lives in a tragic crash, while another remains in critical condition."

Delray Beach Police Department

"Our hearts are with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office following the tragic crash involving three deputies in Loxahatchee. We stand with their families and colleagues."

Tequesta Police Department

"It is with profound sorrow that we share the tragic loss of two deputies who were killed in the line of duty today. They were struck while assisting a fellow deputy on the side of the road on Southern Blvd. near the 20-mile bend. Our hearts go out to their families, loved ones, and all who knew them. We also ask for prayers for the third deputy who remains in critical condition. Together, we stand as a community in honoring their sacrifice. Rest in peace, heroes. You will never be forgotten."

Indian River County Sheriff's Office

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Palm Beach County Sheriff's office. I've been in contact with Sheriff (Ric) Bradshaw to send our condolences as well as offer any resources his team may need. Our honor, guard and peer support team are here for them as they mourn the loss of their friends and coworkers."
— Sheriff Eric Flowers

Martin County Sheriff's Office

"As a sheriff of not only my agency but a border county to Palm Beach County, I'm as devastated as I can be. I don't even have words to tell you how bad it feels. This is the nightmare call for any of us in law enforcement, especially the sheriff. My heart goes out obviously first of all to the families and the men and women of the sheriff's office who lost friends," Martin County Sheriff William Snyder told WPTV reporter Tyler Hatfield. "My message to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is that we have your back. We're here. We're here to help you, and there's nothing we won't do to help you accomplish your mission."

Vero Beach Police Department

"We join the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the loss of two of their motor deputies, who tragically lost their lives this morning. Our hearts are heavy as we reflect on their courage and dedication to serving their community.Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."

Port St. Lucie Department

"The men and women of the Port St. Lucie Police Department send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies that were tragically killed in the line of duty earlier this morning. Their service and dedication to their community will never be forgotten."

Stuart Police Department

"On behalf of the Stuart Police Department, I extend our deepest sympathy to the families, friends, and loved ones of the Palm Beach County Deputies who tragically lost their lives today. The courage, dedication, and sacrifice of these Deputies will always be remembered. During this incredibly difficult time, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of all members of my department. We stand united beside you and offer our full support."
— Chief Joseph Tumminelli

Fort Pierce Police Department

"On behalf of the Fort Pierce Police Department, we are greatly saddened by the news of the tragic loss of two Palm Beach County Sheriff Deputies. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these Deputies, the men and women of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and their loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that the injured Deputy makes a full and speedy recovery."

Fellsmere Police Department

"The members of the Fellsmere Police Department mourn the loss of these deputies and send heartfelt prayers to their families, friends, and co-workers."
— Fellsmere Police Chief Keith Touchberry

Sewall's Point Police Department

"It is with a heavy heart that the men and women of the Sewall’s Point Police Department mourn the loss of two Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputies. We offer our sincerest condolences to the families of the fallen, who paid the ultimate sacrifice today in service to the Palm Beach County community. We pray for the recovery of the third deputy who is currently hospitalized, and ask that we all keep the members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in our collective thoughts as they process this tremendous loss. Our hearts go out to the officers’ families, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time."
— Police Chief Tina Ciechanowski

Broward Sheriff's Office

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deputies' families, friends, colleagues and the entire community during this difficult time. Rest in peace."
— Sheriff Gregory Tony

Miami-Dade Police Department

"During this difficult time, we express our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters at the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Our thoughts are with the deputy in critical condition and the family, friends, and colleagues of the two fallen deputies. We will #NeverForget their service and sacrifice."

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

"To our brothers and sisters of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, please know that you are all in our thoughts as you cope with the unthinkable loss of not one, but two deputies, with a third still fighting for his life. With today being the eve of the second anniversary of our own line of duty loss in Deputy Christopher Taylor, we know the pain you are experiencing. To the families and loved ones left behind, there are no words that can ease your grief. I cannot imagine your Thanksgiving holiday next week with those now empty seats at your tables. I can only hope that your memories of them remain strong and that they are remembered as the heroes they are. To the loved ones of the deputy still fighting, keep your faith and I join you in prayer. I also pray that this tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face each and every shift, and that the Palm Beach community bands together to honor these deputies and guide these families through the healing process. May God bless these deputies, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, and their community. Charlotte County grieves with you."
— Sheriff Bill Prummell

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