Sheriff’s Office hold fundraiser for burned deputy

A Palm Beach County deputy who was badly burned when his motorcycle caught fire expressed gratitude this weekend to all those who helped him through the ordeal.

Sgt. Rich Ragali suffered burns on over 60 percent of his body when his motorcycle caught on fire at a gas station in the Keys in October last year. He said that in the days after his accident, deputies were by his side constantly encouraging him to get better.

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Deputy Rich Ragali was severely burned at a gas station in the Florida Keys.

“There were always deputies by my side down at the hospital,” Ragali said. “I couldn’t have survived without that. Everybody from the sheriff’s office was right behind me.”

Three months after the accident, his law enforcement family showed that they were still by Ragali’s side as they organized a fundraiser at the Palm Beach Gardens Moose Lodge to pay for Ragali’s mounting medical bills, which were not covered by insurance.

“He’s doing extremely well,” said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. “He didn’t expect to make it through the night, and here he is trying to work towards a full recovery. So we’re hoping it’s going to work.

“Ragali said that every day after his accident has been a challenge, but that he has learned important lessons.”Never take life for granted,” he said. “Every day is a new day. That’s all I can say.”

Those who would like to make a donation to help Ragali can call 561-644-8558.

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