In a deeply moving ceremony at the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump presented the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice to honor three courageous law enforcement officers from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Corporal Luiz Paez Jr., Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller Jr., and Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty last November, were celebrated as the inaugural recipients of this prestigious award. The officers, struck by a vehicle while on motorcycle patrol, were remembered for their unwavering dedication to protecting their community.

Today, I proudly stood with my father in the Oval Office to unveil the Medal of Sacrifice. It’s the honor of a lifetime to help bring this tribute to life. My greatest hope is that few families will ever need to receive it. #MedalOfSacrifice #OvalOffice @RepBrianMast pic.twitter.com/68ERHrBpLL

— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) May 20, 2025

"Today we remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medals' first-ever recipients. That's a big honor," President Trump said, addressing a gathering of the officers’ families, colleagues, and dignitaries. 

The Medal of Sacrifice, a newly established honor, will be awarded to law enforcement officers and first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice in service. President Trump highlighted a bill introduced earlier that day by Congressman Brian Mast to ensure the medal’s legacy, cementing its place as a lasting tribute to fallen heroes. "Earlier today, Congressman Brian Mast introduced a bill to ensure this new medal will be awarded to any law enforcement officer or first responder who gives his or her life in the line of duty," Trump noted, emphasizing the profound impact of the officers’ loss on Palm Beach County and the nation.

In the Oval Office, @POTUS presented the first-ever Medal of Sacrifice to three Palm Beach County fallen heroes: Cpl. Luis Paez, Deputy Sheriff Ignacio Dan Diaz, & Deputy Sheriff Ralph Butch Waller.🇺🇸

"We will never forget their legacy & we will never forget the debt we owe."❤️ pic.twitter.com/AeY57sGHR8

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 20, 2025

The ceremony was deeply personal for the Trump family, with Eric Trump sharing reflections on attending the officers’ funeral alongside his father. "My father and I attended the funeral that day and I can't tell you how moving that experience was," Eric said, addressing the families. “It inspired a simple but powerful question: Why is there no medal of valor, medal of sacrifice that commemorates law enforcement officers, first responders who have fallen in the line of duty?”

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Crafted by Tiffany & Co., the renowned jeweler behind the historic Medal of Honor, the Medal of Sacrifice is a striking symbol of valor. Made in Providence, Rhode Island, from silver and 24-carat gold, each medal features the United States coat of arms, representing the nation’s gratitude. "These medals can be given for hundreds and hundreds of years to come," Eric Trump added.

Picture of first ever Presidents #MedalOfSacrfice created by #POTUS47 @realDonaldTrump presented by @EricTrump honoring fallen safety officers. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/oP9nk4p8DR

— Joe Simon (@joesimonPodcast) May 20, 2025

Congressman Mast underscored the historic significance of the award, noting, "For the first time in our nation's history -- all of our first responders, all of our law enforcement, all of our firefighters -- we're going to recognize that sacrifice from the office of the presidency." 

Among the families receiving the medals was Denise Waller, widow of Deputy Ralph Waller Jr., who expressed her gratitude through tears. "Thank you very much for honoring my husband," she said. "Making this so very special for him and for all those people to come. It is a club you never want to be in. But, you've honored them, and it just means the world."

The ceremony concluded with a unified sense of reverence and resolve, as attendees reflected on the officers’ legacy and the importance of supporting those who serve. The Medal of Sacrifice stands as a beacon of hope and gratitude, especially to people like my cousin Alex Herrera and his dad, Ernest, who have gladly served in San Antonio as police officers for many years.