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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. Please click on their photo for their stories and memories.
Sergeant Terri Jean Sweeting-Mashkow
Indian River County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Friday, November 21, 2025
Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice at the 1100 block of Governors Way in Vero Beach at 9:02 a.m.
When three deputies and a locksmith entered the home at 8:42 a.m., a subject approached them in the entryway and fired at them. One deputy was struck in the shoulder before fleeing into the garage. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow was struck and killed at the scene. Another sergeant returned fire, wounding the shooter.
The locksmith, David Long, was critically wounded and succumbed to his wounds two days later. He was posthumously named an honorary deputy.
The suspect was transported to the hospital in critical condition and died two days later.
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow had served with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. She is survived by her husband, daughter, step-son, and mother.
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
End of Watch: Friday, November 21, 2025
Sergeant Terri Sweeting-Mashkow was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice at the 1100 block of Governors Way in Vero Beach at 9:02 a.m.
When three deputies and a locksmith entered the home at 8:42 a.m., a subject approached them in the entryway and fired at them. One deputy was struck in the shoulder before fleeing into the garage. Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow was struck and killed at the scene. Another sergeant returned fire, wounding the shooter.
The locksmith, David Long, was critically wounded and succumbed to his wounds two days later. He was posthumously named an honorary deputy.
The suspect was transported to the hospital in critical condition and died two days later.
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow had served with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. She is survived by her husband, daughter, step-son, and mother.
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
Deputy Sheriff Devin Jaramillo
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Friday, November 7, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Devin Jaramillo was shot and killed while responding to a traffic crash at the 12200 block of Southwest 128th Street, near Kendall, at approximately 4 p.m.
Late Friday afternoon, Deputy Jaramillo was dispatched to a traffic crash where, upon arrival, he was attacked. During the altercation, the man grabbed Deputy Jaramillo's gun and shot him in the neck.
Bystanders reported the attack, and Deputy Jaramillo was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, found nearby, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; a second person was taken for questioning.
Deputy Jaramillo had served with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for one and a half years and had previously served with the Coral Gables Police Department for nearly four years. He is survived by his mother, father, who is a retired Miami-Dade police detective, and siblings.
End of Watch: Friday, November 7, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Devin Jaramillo was shot and killed while responding to a traffic crash at the 12200 block of Southwest 128th Street, near Kendall, at approximately 4 p.m.
Late Friday afternoon, Deputy Jaramillo was dispatched to a traffic crash where, upon arrival, he was attacked. During the altercation, the man grabbed Deputy Jaramillo's gun and shot him in the neck.
Bystanders reported the attack, and Deputy Jaramillo was transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect, found nearby, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; a second person was taken for questioning.
Deputy Jaramillo had served with the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office for one and a half years and had previously served with the Coral Gables Police Department for nearly four years. He is survived by his mother, father, who is a retired Miami-Dade police detective, and siblings.
Sergeant David Cajuso
Miami Beach Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Sergeant David Cajuso was killed in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 75 in Hialeah.
Around 11:35 a.m., Sergeant Cajuso was driving on Interstate 75 near NW 138th Street when he crashed. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Cajuso had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for ten years. He is survived by his wife, three children, mother, and father.
Sergeant Cajuso was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Sergeant David Cajuso was killed in a motorcycle crash on Interstate 75 in Hialeah.
Around 11:35 a.m., Sergeant Cajuso was driving on Interstate 75 near NW 138th Street when he crashed. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Cajuso had served with the Miami Beach Police Department for ten years. He is survived by his wife, three children, mother, and father.
Sergeant Cajuso was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Monday, November 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz succumbed to injuries he received when he, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Waller were struck by a vehicle on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m. on November 21, 2024.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While Deputy Diaz, Deputy Waller, and Corporal Paez were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz passed away four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Deputy Diaz had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years.
End of Watch: Monday, November 25, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz succumbed to injuries he received when he, Corporal Luis Paez, and Deputy Sheriff Waller were struck by a vehicle on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m. on November 21, 2024.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While Deputy Diaz, Deputy Waller, and Corporal Paez were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz passed away four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Deputy Diaz had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for over 20 years.
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Defenders LEMC Palm Beach Chapter
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller and Corporal Luis Paez were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Deputy Waller had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 18 years.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller and Corporal Luis Paez were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Deputy Waller and Corporal Paez were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz succumbed to his injuries four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Deputy Waller had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 18 years.
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Corporal Paez and Deputy Waller were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz died from his injuries four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Corporal Paez had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 36 years and served as a motor officer for over 20 years.
End of Watch: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Butch Waller were struck and killed, and Deputy Sheriff Dan Diaz was critically injured on Southern Boulevard near Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Loxahatchee at 9:00 a.m.
One of the deputies had completed a traffic stop when his patrol motorcycle would not start. The deputy called other officers for assistance. While the three deputies were waiting for another deputy to help with the disabled motorcycle, a driver traveling east on Southern Boulevard switched lanes to pass a slower vehicle, overcompensated, and struck all three deputies. The responding deputy witnessed the collision.
Corporal Paez and Deputy Waller were life-flighted to St. Mary's Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. Deputy Diaz died from his injuries four days later.
The driver suffered minor injuries.
Corporal Paez had served with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for 36 years and served as a motor officer for over 20 years.
Police 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.
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.
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.
Deputy Robert "Airborne" Howard
Defenders LEMC - Tampa Bay Chapter
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Florida
End of Watch: Friday, June 23, 2023
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.
Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Florida
End of Watch: Friday, June 23, 2023
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.
Defenders LEMC - South Florida Chapter
Miami Dade Corrections, Florida
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.
Miami Dade Corrections, Florida
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.
Police Officer Charles Herring
Pembroke Pines Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Police Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash near the intersection of 184th Avenue and Sheridan Street.
He was 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.
End of Watch: Thursday, February 9, 2023
Police Officer Charlie Herring was killed in a motorcycle crash near the intersection of 184th Avenue and Sheridan Street.
He was 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.
Special Agent 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 that occurred on August 2nd, 2022, at the intersection of NW 127th Avenue and NW 7th Terrace in West Miami-Dade.
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. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on August 20th, 2022.
Special Agent Perez was a United States Marine Corps, Navy, and Army National Guard 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. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, parents, and brother.
End of Watch: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Special Agent Jose Perez succumbed to injuries sustained in an automobile crash that occurred on August 2nd, 2022, at the intersection of NW 127th Avenue and NW 7th Terrace in West Miami-Dade.
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. He suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he remained until succumbing to his injuries on August 20th, 2022.
Special Agent Perez was a United States Marine Corps, Navy, and Army National Guard 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. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, parents, and brother.
Police Officer Cesar "Echy" Echaverry
Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Officer Echy Echaverry succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two nights earlier near the intersection of NW 62nd Street and NW 7th Avenue while chasing a robbery suspect at 8:50 pm.
A vehicle that had been involved in an armed robbery in Dania Beach earlier in the evening was observed driving in Miami-Dade 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 the following evening.
Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
A second suspect in the initial robbery was shot and killed the following day as a SWAT team attempted to take him into custody at a local hotel.
Officer Echaverry had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for five years and was assigned to the Robbery Intervention Detail. He was survived by his parents and fiancée.
In 2023, a portion of Southwest 162nd Avenue was renamed Officer Cesar ‘Echy’ Echaverry Jr. Way.
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
Officer Echy Echaverry succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two nights earlier near the intersection of NW 62nd Street and NW 7th Avenue while chasing a robbery suspect at 8:50 pm.
A vehicle that had been involved in an armed robbery in Dania Beach earlier in the evening was observed driving in Miami-Dade 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 the following evening.
Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Wednesday, August 17, 2022
A second suspect in the initial robbery was shot and killed the following day as a SWAT team attempted to take him into custody at a local hotel.
Officer Echaverry had served with the Miami-Dade Police Department for five years and was assigned to the Robbery Intervention Detail. He was survived by his parents and fiancée.
In 2023, a portion of Southwest 162nd Avenue was renamed Officer Cesar ‘Echy’ Echaverry Jr. Way.
Officer 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.
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.
Police Officer Yandy Chirino
Hollywood Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Police Officer Yandy Chirino was shot and killed after responding to reports of a suspicious person pulling on door handles in the 4000 block of North Hills Drive at about 10:30 pm.
The man began struggling with officers when they attempted to detain him. He drew a concealed handgun and shot Officer Chirino during the struggle. Other officers took him into custody and then rendered aid to Officer Chirino. He was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in a police car but succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
The subject was charged with burglary, assault of a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm, grand larceny of a firearm, resisting arrest with violence, and first-degree murder. In 2025, he pleaded guilty, and the jury recommended life in prison.
Officer Chirino had served with the Hollywood Police Department for four years. He had been the recipient of five supervisor's commendations and was recognized as Officer of the Month in June 2020.
End of Watch: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Police Officer Yandy Chirino was shot and killed after responding to reports of a suspicious person pulling on door handles in the 4000 block of North Hills Drive at about 10:30 pm.
The man began struggling with officers when they attempted to detain him. He drew a concealed handgun and shot Officer Chirino during the struggle. Other officers took him into custody and then rendered aid to Officer Chirino. He was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital in a police car but succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
The subject was charged with burglary, assault of a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm, grand larceny of a firearm, resisting arrest with violence, and first-degree murder. In 2025, he pleaded guilty, and the jury recommended life in prison.
Officer Chirino had served with the Hollywood Police Department for four years. He had been the recipient of five supervisor's commendations and was recognized as Officer of the Month in June 2020.
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.
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.
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