(BOYNTON BEACH, Florida)– An off-duty officer with the Boynton Beach Police Department was killed Saturday morning in a single-car crash.

According to the department, Dennis Castro, a 15-year veteran of the force, was involved in an off-duty car accident and succumbed to his severe injuries.

“Today is my toughest day as Chief of police,” Chief Joe DeGiulio said. “Officer Castro’s service and commitment to the Boynton Beach Police Department and to the community we serve was truly remarkable. The entire Boynton Beach Police Department is honored to have served alongside Officer Castro, who was a friend and hero to all.”

Castro was awarded Officer of the Month several times by the department and was voted Officer of the year in 2021 by the Palm Beach County Commission’s Victim Services and Certified Rape Crisis Center.

Castro leaves behind a wife and two children.