Honoring

Sergeant Elio Diaz

Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Florida

EOW: Dec. 15, 2024 | Age: None | Tour: 11 Years

Sergeant Elio Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop shortly after 3:00 p.m. at 4968 Tamiami Trail in Charlotte Harbor. During the stop, the driver pulled out a rifle and fired at Sergeant Diaz before fleeing. When he was found a few miles away, the suspect reached for his rifle and was shot and killed by deputies. Sergeant Diaz was transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant Diaz had served with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and four children. Sergeant Diaz was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.

Honoring

Sergeant Rick Finley

McNairy County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

EOW: Dec. 14, 2024 | Age: 39 | Tour: 12 Years

Sergeant Rick Finley was shot and killed while responding to a suspicious person complaint at the 100 block of New Bethel Road in Selmer at 3:00 p.m. A subject was attempting to break into a home. When Sergeant Finley arrived at the scene, the subject attacked him, shooting Sergeant Finley multiple times. The suspect was shot and killed by another responding officer. He was transported to the nearest hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Sergeant Finley was a United States Army National Guard veteran. He had served part-time with the Selmer Police Department while also serving with the McNairy County Sheriff's Office, where he worked for 13 years. He is survived by his wife and children.

Honoring

Police Officer Jairo Rodriguez

Newark Police Division, New Jersey

EOW: Dec. 12, 2024 | Age: 53 | Tour: 2 Years

A Newark traffic control officer was fatally struck by a car Thursday outside of the Prudential Center, according to police. Authorities say the vehicle hit 53-year-old Jairo Rodriguez around 1 a.m. as he was directing traffic following an event at the venue. The driver was identified by officials as an off-duty Newark police officer. The officer remained at the scene of the crash and was hospitalized. It is unclear if there will be any charges. In a release from the Department of Public Safety, director Emanuel Miranda noted Rodriguez for being “highly respected and beloved by all who worked with him.”

Honoring

Firefighter Rick Sanders

Winchester Fire Department, Indiana

EOW: Dec. 12, 2024 | Age: 48 | Tour: None

A Winchester firefighter, who fell ill while battling a house fire, has died. Firefighter Rick Sanders, 48, was part of a team conducting an aggressive interior attack when he started feeling off. As soon as he came out of the house, medics started treating him. He went into cardiac arrest as he was being assessed in the ambulance, according to a statement posted on the department's Facebook page. Despite immediate care, Sanders was pronounced dead at St Vincent Randolph hospital. Fire, EMS and police vehicles led an escort from the hospital to the medical examiner's office. Fellow firefighters wrote: "Rick, from your brothers at WFD, we love you, we will miss you, and we thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice for us and for the community around you. We thank every department and service who has aided us throughout this process. Rest in peace 4510, we will carry your legacy with us."

Honoring

Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Kreiter

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department, Wisconsin

EOW: Dec. 12, 2024 | Age: None | Tour: 17 Years

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Metro Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their members. Engineer/Paramedic Tyler Kreiter died in the line of duty on Dec. 12, the department stated. Kreiter was assigned to Fire Station 6 and served the community for 17 years. “Tyler exemplified what it means to be a Green Bay Metro Firefighter. The courage and determination he displayed in the performance of his duties were outmatched only by his spirit in his fight against cancer,” the department said in a statement.

Honoring

Captain George Turley

Chattanooga Fire Department, Tennessee

EOW: Dec. 14, 2024 | Age: 58 | Tour: None

On Saturday, December 14, 2024, Captain George Turley was performing physical fitness activities while working at the fire station when he collapsed. Aid was immediately rendered by colleagues, and he was then transported to the local hospital where he was pronounced deceased a short time later. The cause of his death has yet to be determined.