It has been one year since Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz was killed in the line of duty.

Diaz was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a dedicated law enforcement officer who went above and beyond to serve his community. 

On Dec. 15 of last year, Diaz was shot and killed during a traffic stop. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Diaz spent more than an hour with the driver, whom he pulled over for not having insurance, before the driver shot and killed him.

Deputies later found the suspect at a Popeyes restaurant.

When deputies asked him to step out of his car, he reached for something and was shot by deputies.

Since the incident, the community has shown nothing but love and support for the Diaz family.

Back in September, a part of US-41, from Melbourne Street to Church Street, was named the Sergeant Elio Diaz Memorial Highway. Law enforcement from all over the state and all over the country came to Diaz’s funeral at the Babcock Ranch Field House last year.

Tears flowed uncontrollably as his brave daughters spoke about their father.

“Daddy is my best friend, my first love, my role model, my biggest supporter, my protector, and my forever superhero. Daddy is my everything,” said his daughter Kia Torres.

His other daughter, Nayleshka Luna, said, “I want us to rejoice in his memories and his funny stories and that silent laugh of his that sometimes I tell him, ‘Dad, you need to breathe. There’s nothing coming out of your mouth. There’s no air.'”

Sergeant Diaz left behind four children.

Many in the community still celebrate his life and dedication to his community, keeping his legacy alive forever.