Funeral Service Held For BSO Deputy Benjamin Nimtz

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - More than a thousand law enforcement officers gathered Thursday at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale to say goodbye to a fallen deputy.

Broward Sheriff's Office deputy Benjamin Nimtz, 30, was killed in the line of duty on July 21st.

The husband and father of two was three shifts away from completing his work with BSO when he was involved in a violent wreck in Deerfield Beach.

"If he were here he would understand how we felt and comfort us with his quiet demeanor," said Michael Kozma who served with Nimtz in the army and delivered one of several emotional eulogies during the two-hour service

Deputy Nimtz had tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and chose a career in law enforcement when he left the Army. He attended the police academy in Davie and went to work for the Broward Sheriff's Office.

He was planning to move to Indiana with his family to be closer to his father and stepmother.

But Nimtz was responding to a domestic call at 3 a.m. with his lights and siren activated when he collided with a Toyota Tundra at the intersection of Military Trail and SW 10th Street in Deerfield Beach.

Investigators say the driver of the truck was speeding.

Following behind Nimtz was fellow deputy Roberto Ramon.

Ramon said in his eulogy that he learned enormous life lessons serving alongside Nimtz.

"Sometimes you wonder why God puts people in your life. I know he was there to make me a better man."

BSO Sheriff Gregory Tony told Nimtz's grieving family that their loss would not be in vain and he urged fellow first responders to carry on his legacy of service.

In lieu of flowers, BSO has asked those who want help can donate to the "Deputy Benjamin Nimtz Memorial Fund, where 100 percent of the proceeds will go to support the education of Nimtz's children.