PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — The community came together Tuesday to honor the lives of three Palm Beach County deputies who were killed in a devastating crash last month.
An emotional public memorial, which lasted about two hours, was held for Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller and Cpl. Luis Paez at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Sansbury Way.
People lined streets to honor the deputies as a law enforcement procession departed 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.
U.S. Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., gave brief but heartfelt 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'
Mast said the fallen deputies' courage and bravery were unmatched amid the daily peril that comes with their profession.
"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."
At the service, Maj. Paul Vrchota spoke about Paez, a close friend and colleague he had known since 1998.
"He was the guy you wanted as your wingman," Vrchota said. "He loved his family and friends. He loved photography and nature, and he also loved motorcycles and travel."
He recalled how he and Paez took multiple cross-country road trips on motorcycles visiting many sites in the western U.S. and Canada.
"I would estimate that we shared nearly 100,000 miles riding together — next to each other between work and travel," Vrchota said. "He was an exceptional wingman and travel partner."
WATCH BELOW: Maj. Paul Vrchota recounts friendship with Cpl. Luis Paez
Vrchota said his friend was also a "great teacher" and "very talented" motorcycle instructor.
"His instruction has helped countless riders avoid crashes and injuries," Vrchota said. "The event that took Luis from us has no reasonable explanation for why it happened — to try and search for one is simply wasted energy."
He closed his speech by telling his friend to "ride hard and rest easy."
At the service, Cpl. Thomas Dague said Paez had a "remarkable teaching style" and "incredible ability to connect with people," describing him as patient and disciplined.
Deputy Chris Farron recounted how he and Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller were "best friends" and someone he had known since 1996 when they attended the police academy together.
"We could tell each other anything. We had no secrets," Farron said. "We went through a lot together."
WATCH BELOW: Deputy Tim McCarthy says spirits of fallen deputies will 'live on'
Deputy Tim McCarthy described Waller as the "kindest, gentlest person I have ever met."
"His smile would light up a room. If any of us were ever feeling a little low, Butch would come over and tell us one of his quirky jokes," McCarthy said. "He had a charm that made you feel like you were the most important person in the world as he was talking to you."
McCarthy, who knew all three deputies, said the sheriff's office lost "three incredible men" who were "family." He asked the public to honor their lives and "live as they did."
"They may not be physically here, but their presence is all around us in our memories and lessons they taught us and in the love they left behind," McCarthy said.
WATCH BELOW: Daughter of Ignacio "Dan" Diaz says father 'persevered no matter what'
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.
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."
President-elect Donald Trump, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody were in attendance but did not speak at the service.
WATCH: President-elect Trump attends memorial service
Agencies from surrounding counties, across Florida and other states attended to pay respects to their fallen comrades.
WPTV 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.
If you missed the service, you can watch the entire memorial below:
Read more of WPTV's coverage of the tragedy below:
Palm Beach County
How you can help families of fallen PBSO deputies
Region C Palm Beach County
How a 9-year-old boy is helping the family of a fallen deputy
Region C Palm Beach County
TRAGIC: 3rd Palm Beach Co. deputy passes away after devastating wreck
Palm Beach County
'Heart is breaking': Community honors PBSO deputies with vigil
Palm Beach County
'They have us as a community': Fallen deputies honored with candlelit walk
Region C Palm Beach County
PBSO identifies deputies killed, injured in 'horrific accident'
Region C Palm Beach County
EMOTIONAL: Hundreds of law enforcement officers pay respects to fallen deputies
Region C Palm Beach County
