May 19 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump awarded the first-ever Medals of Sacrifice, during a ceremony Monday at the White House, to three "heroic law officers" who were killed in the line of duty last year.
"Today we remember three remarkable heroes who will become the medals' first-ever recipients. That's a big honor," Trump said, as he remembered Corporal Luiz Paez Jr., Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller Jr. and Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office in Florida. The three officers were struck and killed by a vehicle last November while on motorcycle patrol.
Going forward, the Medal of Sacrifice will be awarded to any law enforcement or first responder who makes the "ultimate sacrifice."
"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 said. "The three officers we recognize today were close friends and colleagues. And together, they dedicated their lives to protecting the people of Palm Beach County and well beyond."
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