Fallen Heroes

Luis Paez
11/21/2024

Luis Paez

Corporal Luis Paez dedicated over 36 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career with PBSO in January of 1988 as a Corrections Deputy. He later transitioned to Road Patrol and ultimately served passionately as a Motor Deputy for more than 20 years. His dedication and commitment to his community will never be forgotten.

Ralph “Butch” Waller
11/21/2024

Ralph ``Butch`` Waller

Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller served with distinction for over 18 years in our Motor Unit. He began his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department, earning a reputation for dedication and professionalism before the department merged with PBSO in October 2008. Throughout his career, Deputy Waller served his community with pride.

Fallen Deputy - Clarence Guy (Bud) Backherms

Clarence G. “Bud” Backherms
4/7/2019

Clarence G. ``Bud`` Backherms

Clarence Guy “Bud” Backherms died on April 7, 2019 after a long illness caused by being shot in the line of duty on February 28, 1990 while proudly serving the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Palm Beach County.

This is a video about his story:
go to the PBSO YouTube Channel

Detective Bud Backherms Memorial

Donta J. Manuel
11/28/2007

Donta J. Manuel

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office sadly announces the tragic death of Deputy Sheriff Donta Manuel, 33 years of age, and a thirteen-year veteran of PBSO.

In the early morning hours of November 28, 2007, D/S Manuel and D/S Jonathan Wallace, as well as several other PBSO deputies, were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in progress in Belle Glade. While participating in a tactical initiative to apprehend the fleeing stolen vehicle, D/S Donta Manuel, along with D/S Jonathan Wallace, were struck by one of the pursuing patrol cars. Both deputies were killed instantly.

Deputy Manuel is survived by his wife Suzette Manuel and three children, sons Donta and Diontray Manuel, 9 and 6 years old, and daughter Dashja Trawick, 8 years old.

Jonathan D. Wallace
11/28/2007

Jonathan D. Wallace

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office sadly announces the tragic death of Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Wallace, 23 years of age, who had been with PBSO for 18 months.

In the early morning hours of November 28, 2007, D/S Wallace and D/S Donta Manuel, as well as several other PBSO deputies, were responding to a report of a stolen vehicle in progress in Belle Glade. While participating in a tactical initiative to apprehend the fleeing stolen vehicle, D/S Jonathan Wallace, along with D/S Donta Manuel, were struck by one of the pursuing vehicles. Both deputies were killed instantly.

Deputy Wallace, a Pahokee native, is survived by his mother, Patricia Wallace.

Donald L. Schavolt
3/31/2002

Donald L. Schavolt

Sadly, we have lost yet another brave and gallant PBSO family member to death in the line of duty. Deputy Sheriff Don Schavolt died early Easter morning after struggling with a violent prisoner and then suffering cardiac arrest, while inside the emergency department of Wellington Regional Medical Center. Emergency Department personnel did everything within their abilities to save Don but were unsuccessful.

Garry E. Hobbs
12/9/2000

Garry E. Hobbs

On June 7, 1991, while serving the citizens of Palm Beach County in the recovery of stolen property, D/S Hobbs was sprayed with a lethal level of herbicide. The poison took control and the physical and emotional symptoms were severe. The exposure and the treatments eventually led to D/S Hobbs’s death on 12/9/2000.

D/S Garry E. Hobbs is survived by his wife, Leesa of Colorado, his daughters Robin Congdon of Tennessee and Lisa Hobbs of Ohio, his sons Matthew and Joshua Hobbs of Tennessee, his sister Cathy Bruce of Tennessee, and his brother Thomas Hobbs of Nevada.

D/S Hobbs was a Vietnam Veteran. He was known to his fellow deputies as a good friend and a devoted father. He was dedicated to his job and led others by his example. He enjoyed fishing and outdoor activities.

Richard W. Oetinger
12/6/2000

Richard W. Oetinger

While performing his official duties, Deputy Oetinger sustained a serious physical injury in 1979. On December 6, 2000 Deputy Oetinger passed away due to medical complications related to this previous injury.

James S. Hunt
2/26/1993

James S. Hunt

Sergeant Hunt was shot and killed while investigating four suspicious people in front of a bank automated teller machine.

Anita K. Pospisil
3/25/1992

Anita K. Pospisil

A speeding truck having just run a red light, crashed into the side of Deputy Pospisil’s patrol car killing her.

Kevin D. Mathews
3/6/1992

Kevin D. Mathews

While providing a motorcycle escort to a presidential candidate, Deputy Mathews was struck by a passing vehicle. Deputy Mathews injuries were fatal.

James R. Dickinson
8/22/1989

James R. Dickinson

While attempting to apprehend a suspect that was armed and barricaded, Deputy Dickinson was shot and killed.

Frank D. Genovese
6/3/1982

Frank D. Genovese

While at a SWAT incident against an armed and barricaded subject, Deputy Genovese was shot and killed by the suspect.

Richard J. Landes
4/18/1981

Richard J. Landes

While assisting others in the removal of a vehicle from a canal, Deputy Landes was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

James S. Fogleman
3/25/1963

James S. Fogleman

While transporting a critically injured child to the hospital, Sergeant Fogleman’s patrol car was struck by another vehicle. Sergeant Fogleman’s injuries were fatal.

Frederick A. Baker
1/9/1924

Frederick A. Baker

While leading a posse into the camp of the outlaw Ashley Gang, Deputy Baker became involved in a gun fight and was fatally wounded.

George C. Douglas
8/27/1921

George C. Douglas *

Deputy Douglas and his 17-year-old son attempted to serve an arrest warrant for theft at Bare Bch., Glades area. Both were shot, Deputy Douglass’ wound was fatal.
* Previously recorded as George Douglass

Fallen Deputy Memorials

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Those honored members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office who sacrificed their lives in the service to our communities are always in our memories. This monument with the names of our fallen heroes occupies a place of honor and reverence for families, friends, and all citizens who visit the Sheriff’s Office.