The Charlotte County community is coming together to honor Sergeant Elio Diaz, a deputy remembered for his dedication, service, and a smile that touched countless lives.
A public viewing for Sgt. Diaz will take place Thursday evening at the Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home from 4-6 p.m., along Indian Spgs Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held Friday morning at 10 a.m. at the Babcock Ranch Fieldhouse along Cypress Parkway, Punta Gorda.
The service will be open to the public and will also be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.
"In this community, they’ll take care of that family," Charlotte County resident Michael Riley said through tears. "Not just the sheriff’s office, but the people in the community will stand up for them."
Michael Riley, a former assistant principal and public communications officer in schools in Charlotte County, crossed paths with Sgt. Diaz. Though Riley wasn’t close to him, he says even brief interactions with Diaz left a lasting impression.
"I think I met him when he gave me a ticket," Riley said. "I met him again at the quarterly luncheon, and he remembered me, and I remembered him. Always a gentleman. It’s hard to believe something like this could happen to such a good person."
For Riley, who worked closely with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office during his career, the loss is deeply felt.
"When I talked to the sheriff, he was just devastated," Riley said. "You didn’t even have to know Sgt. Diaz to feel the loss. You just had to know what he stood for and what the sheriff’s office stands for."
The tragedy has brought the Charlotte County community together. Riley says he and countless others will pay their respects at the funeral service later this week, showing support for Diaz’s grieving family.
"In this community, they’ll take care of that family," Riley said through tears. "Not just the sheriff’s office, but the people in the community will stand up for them."
Sgt. Elio Diaz leaves behind his wife and four children.