top of page
In Memory
This page is dedicated to the memory of Defenders LEMC Members who have passed and law enforcement officers who have been killed in the line of duty throughout the South Florida area to honor their sacrifice and service. This memorial can serve as a tribute not only to the individuals, but also to all law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line each day to protect their communities. Through this tribute, their names, stories, and legacies can be shared and remembered to ensure that these brave men and women are never forgotten and their sacrifices are always recognized.
DEPUTY IGNACIO "DAN" DIAZ
Palm Beach Sheriffs Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, November 25, 2024
Deputy Dan Diaz was critically injured in Loxahatchee, FL. Another deputy had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. While the three deputies were waiting for help, a vehicle struck them. Deputy Diaz was taken to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Corporal Paez had served with PBSO for over 20 years.
DEPUTY RALPH "BUTCH" WALLER, JR
Palm Beach Sheriffs Office, Florida
Defenders LEMC - Palm Beach Chapter
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Palm Beach Defenders LEMC Brother Deputy "Butch" Waller was critically injured in Loxahatchee, FL. Another deputy had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. While the three deputies were waiting for help, a vehicle struck them. Dep. Waller was life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Dep. Waller served with PBSO for over 18 years.
CORPORAL LUIS PAEZ
Palm Beach Sheriffs Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez was critically injured on in Loxahatchee, FL. Another deputy had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. While the three deputies were waiting for help, a vehicle struck them. Corporal Paez was life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Corporal Paez had served with PBSO for 36 years and served as a motor officer for over 20 years.
OFFICER JEREMY BOYKINS
West Palm Beach Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Police Officer Jeremy Boykins died after suffering a medical emergency while participating in the tryout for the Emergency Field Force Team. When Officer Boykins collapsed, he was transferred to the Good Samaritan Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the next day. Officer Boykins had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for over two years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
CAPTAIN TERRYSON JACKSON
Broward County Sheriffs Office, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, August 28, 2023
Captain Terryson Jackson, passed away August 28, 2023, after a BSO Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services helicopter crashed in Pompano Beach. Captain Jackson was the flight paramedic and proudly served the people of Broward County for 19 years. His contributions to the community will be remembered and their legacy lives on. Rest in peace, Captain.
ROBERT "AIRBORNE" HOWARD
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Florida
Defenders LEMC - Tampa Bay Chapter
End of Watch: Friday, June 23, 2023
Tampa Bay Defenders LEMC Brother Robert "Airborne" Howard passed away on June 23 2023 due to injuries sustained from a traffic crash while off duty. Robert was enroute to the Defenders National Rally in Tampa Bay when he was struck by a vehicle. Robert was with HCSO for more then 17 years and was a member of the Motor Unit.
KENNETH "PIRATE" SHRADER JR.
Miami Dade Corrections, Florida
Defenders LEMC - South Florida Chapter
End of Watch: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Lifetime South Florida Defenders LEMC Brother Kenneth "Pirate" Shrader Jr. passed away on February, 9th 2023 due to natural causes. Pirate was a Vietnam War Veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. After returning home from the war, he worked for Southern Bell in Gainesville, Fl. In the early 1980's he became a Miami Dade Corrections Officer and retired after 25 years of service. Pirate joined our South Florida Defender Chapter and was fully patched on April 17, 2014.
CHARLES HERRING
Pembroke Pines Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Police Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash while on routine patrol when a falling piece of a tree fell and struck him. The impact caused him to fall from his motorcycle. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officer Herring was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Pembroke Pines Police Department for 21 years. He had previously served with the Starke Police Department for three years. He is survived by his four children.
JOSE ANTONIO PEREZ
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Special Agent Jose Perez succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile crash. He was responding to an alarm at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Miami Regional Operations Center when another car struck his department vehicle. Special Agent Perez was a United States Marine Corps veteran and had served in law enforcement for 30 years. He joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after retiring from the Miami Police Department as an assistant chief.
CESAR "ECHY" ECHAVERRY
Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Police Officer Echy Echaverry succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained while chasing a robbery suspect. A vehicle that had been involved in an armed robbery was observed driving and fled when officers attempted to stop it. Officers pursued the vehicle until it crashed into a light pole. The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot as Officer Echaverry and other officers pursued him on foot. The man opened fire, striking Officer Echaverry before he was killed by return fire. Officer Echaverry was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
JORGE ARIAS
United States Department of Homeland Security
End of Watch: Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Officer Jorge Arias was inadvertently shot and killed while training at the Trail Glades Range at 17601 SW 8th Street just after 10 am.
Officer Arias was a United States Coast Guard Reserve veteran and served with the United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations. He was a Firearms Training Instructor and was assigned to the Miami International Airport. He is survived by his wife and two children.
OMAR "CHICO HARLEY" GONZALEZ
Defenders LEMC - South Florida Chapter
End of Watch: Tuesday, August 11, 2020
Our fellow Defender, Omar “Chico Harley” Gonzalez, a member of the South Florida Chapter of the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Chico passed away on August 11, 2020, at the age of 51, due to complications from COVID-19. Though many of us knew him in different ways, Chico was a steady presence and a part of our extended brotherhood. He took pride in the patch he wore and the friendships he made along the way. We offer our condolences to his family, friends, and those who rode alongside him.
bottom of page