Special Agent Who Died in Line of Duty Honored: ‘He Was a Patriot Who Believed in Duty and Honor’

MIAMI (FLV) – A funeral mass was held Monday in Miami to honor FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez who died in the line of duty.

Perez spent more than 30 years in law enforcement, including service in the Marines, Navy, and Army. The St. Kevin Catholic Church was filled with friends, family members and fellow officers Monday to honor him.

Click here to watch the full service Monday. Those who spoke at the service described Perez as one who adored and cherished his wife and three daughters. Perez was described as fearless man who protected those who could not defend themselves.

Florida leaders including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez, and Attorney General Ashley Moody also attended the service.

“Today we mourn the tragic loss of FDLE Special Agent Jose Perez, who died in the line of duty,” First Lady Casey DeSantis said. “With over 20 years in the U.S. armed forces & more than 30 years in law enforcement, he lived a valiant life serving our nation & state.”

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Agent Perez, who spent his entire life serving others from the United States armed forces to more than 30 years in law enforcement,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass.

“Our country, our state, our community and FDLE are better because of his dedication. Rest in peace our brave hero. You will never be forgotten.”

Perez died from his injuries after a suspected DUI driver crashed into him in Miami-Dade on Aug. 2. Ysmael Sandoval, 35, was the driver of the truck who crashed into Perez after he made a left turn and failed to yield the right of way, according to investigators.

Investigators said Sandoval’s blood alcohol level was at .146, which is above Florida’s legal limit of .08. He also tested positive for cocaine and marijuana, the report said.