Tribute breakfast held for Charlotte County Sgt. Elio Diaz

Reporter: Camila Pereira Writer: Nicholas Karsen
Published: Updated:

A tribute breakfast was held for Charlotte County Deputy Sgt. Elio Diaz, who was killed in the line of duty in December.

A community still mourning the loss of Sergeant Elio Diaz gathered Wednesday to honor the fallen hero and support his family.

Retired police officer Brian Elwood, visiting from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, reflected on the sacrifices made by law enforcement. “We just live around the corner there. I’m a retired police officer and I came down to honor his sacrifice…People don’t realize the sacrifice these officers make, day in and day out, and it’s not a normal job. Yeah, never is,” Elwood said.

Sergeant Diaz, a son, father, and grandfather, was shot and killed in the line of duty last month.

Since his death, the community has rallied to support his family, including the team at a local IHOP.

“We wanted to recognize and honor his memory for all his service in the community,” said Bobbi Snyder, IHOP manager, alongside lead staff member Tyler Grandstaff. “It was, you know, the day after basically that, I got in touch with Tyler and said, we have to do something for this family, too.”

The restaurant hosted a special tribute breakfast fundraiser, which drew dozens of attendees, including Charlotte County sheriff’s deputies and retired law enforcement officers.

“I’ve lost a couple officers who work for me and a very good friend who worked for a smaller department,” said retired police officer Kevin Donohue from Indianapolis, Indiana. “After hearing about how amazing an officer Diaz was from not only the community but his fellow officers, it really hurt to lose an officer like that.”

Some came as early as 6 a.m. just to leave a donation before heading to work.

“My wife and I felt that we needed to just show some gratitude for the sacrifice that him and his family have made,” said John Bowker of Port Charlotte.

Retired law enforcement officer Bill Trzeciak from La Grange, Illinois, emphasized the dangers officers face daily. “Your whole family’s involved. Everybody in life is involved. Because every day you go out there, you risk it. You never know. There’s no such thing as a routine traffic stop,” he said.

Diaz was killed on Dec. 15 following a traffic stop at a gas station in Charlotte Harbor, where he discovered that the shooter, Andrew Mostyn, was driving without insurance and a suspended license.



Diaz attempted to assist Mostyn, who had turned out to be living out of his car.

After an hour of trying to work with Mostyn’s insurance, the suspect approached Diaz and fatally shot him with a rifle.

The fundraiser, which was held from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, showcased the community’s gratitude and commitment to supporting the Diaz family during this difficult time.

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