Fallen Hero

Patrolman Jose Diaz
Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Florida
End of Watch: Saturday, October 8, 2005

Biographical Info

Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 16½ years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Fall
Date of Incident: Saturday, October 8, 2005
Weapon Used: Not available
Suspect Info: Not available

Patrolman Jose Diaz was killed after falling from a highway overpass while assisting other officers perform a felony traffic stop of a suspected police impersonator on I-95 near the interchange with I-595.

Because of the darkness, the area between the two highways appeared to have a solid surface. Patrolman Diaz attempted to take cover on the other side of the overpass barrier and jumped over it. He fell and landed on the ground, approximately 110-feet below. He was transported to Broward General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

The driver of the vehicle that had been pulled over was a private investigator and, upon investigation, was determined to have not committed any crime.

Patrolman Diaz had served with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department for 2.5 years, and had previously served with the New York City Police Department for 14 years. He is survived by his wife, son, and daughter.