Tallahassee, FL (April 28, 2025) – Today, the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) honored the fallen heroes who enforced the law and served the state of Florida in the line of duty. Six names were added to the FSA Memorial Wall during the ceremony. FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell joined Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, sheriffs, community leaders, and the families of these fallen heroes at the FSA Memorial Wall to celebrate the men and women who lost their lives while serving their communities.
The memorial is dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed all and to those who put their lives on the line every day. Families and friends came out to pay their tributes to their loved ones while seeing their engraved names on the Memorial Wall.
“Laying down one’s life to protect others is the highest form of courage,” said FSA President and Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Today we honor six heroes, as well as every brave man and woman whose name is engraved in this wall, while acknowledging the overwhelming loss felt by their families, fellow officers, and the communities they served. May this memorial keep their legacy alive, inspiring future generations and safeguarding the values they upheld.”
This afternoon, six names were honored at the FSA Memorial ceremony:
- Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Elio Diaz | End of Watch: December 15, 2024
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz | End of Watch: November 25, 2024
- Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Luis Paez Jr | End of Watch: November 21, 2024
- Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller | End of Watch: November 21, 2024
- Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew | End of Watch: October 12, 2024
- Lake County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Michael Link | August 3, 2024
Established in 2002, the Florida Sheriffs Association incorporated the granite Memorial Wall to honor those who had fallen in the line of duty within a sheriff’s office. It is a tribute to remember the sheriffs and deputies who have dedicated their lives to serve and protect Floridians, while respecting those who have passed. On the wall is an engraved verse that embraces these fallen heroes and the sacrifices they have made: “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” -Matthew 5:9.
Visit the FSA website memorial page for more information, or if you are interested in joining the mission of the Memorial, we invite you to donate today. The ceremony was broadcasted via Facebook Live on the FSA Facebook page.
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