Holly MatkinBoynton Beach, FL – Boynton Beach Police Department (BBPD) Sergeant Dennis Castro died in a fiery one-vehicle crash while off-duty on Dec. 10, 2022.
The collision occurred on Northlake Boulevard between North State Road 7 and Ibis Boulevard at approximately 4 a.m., WPTV reported.
Investigators said Sgt. Castro, 38, was traveling westbound in his 2021 Dodge Durango when his vehicle suddenly crashed into the center median.
The initial impact sent his SUV careening into a pole and sheared the vehicle in half before it burst into flames, WPTV reported.
Sgt. Castro was ejected in the horrific crash and did not survive.
The BBPD confirmed his death in a press release later that day.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Boynton Beach Police Officer Dennis Castro, badge #905,” the department said.
Boynton Beach Police Chief Joseph DeGiulio said he was deeply saddened to learn of Sgt. Castro’s tragic death.
“Today is my toughest day as Chief of police,” he said in the press release. “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,” Chief DeGiulio added.
The police chief posthumously promoted the 14-year veteran of the department to the rank of sergeant, the agency said in a press release on Dec. 21, 2022.
Sgt. Castro served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the BBPD, according to his obituary.
He was a member of the DUI Task Force, the SWAT Team, and was a traffic homicide investigator, the BBPD said.
Sgt. Castro was named Officer of the Month on numerous occasions throughout his career, and was voted Officer of the Year in 2021 by the Palm Beach County Commission’s Victim Services and Certified Rape Crisis Center.
He also received “numerous commendations for his exemplary service to the Boynton Beach community,” the police department noted.
Sgt. Castro leaves behind his wife, Pamela, and their young children, Milo and Zinnia, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, sister, grandmother, nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, “and his many brothers and sisters in blue,” the tribute read.
A fundraising campaign established to help his young family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $60,000 so far.
Sgt. Castro was laid to rest on Dec. 20, 2022.
Compassion and empathy for victims and their families are why Traffic Homicide Investigator Dennis Castro was Officer of the Year Honoree for @pbcgov @PBCDVS. He is a @USMarineCorps veteran who has served the @cityofboynton for 13 years. #bbpdpride! https://t.co/txIHsm9lpr pic.twitter.com/OVD5lUHb1O
— bbpd (@BBPD) May 3, 2021
Congratulations to Traffic Homicide Investigator Dennis Castro and Communications Specialist Ali Jackson, who were honored as officer and professional staff member of the month today by our friends at the Kiwanis Club of Boynton Beach. #bbpdpride pic.twitter.com/gRsvjzU27e
— bbpd (@BBPD) July 23, 2019
Boynton Beach Officer Dennis Castro was remembered today at Christ Fellowship, with a large showing of support from law enforcement across the state. The 38-year-old, survived by his wife and two children, lost his life nearly two weeks ago in a car accident while off duty. pic.twitter.com/Ap8DfGiu9Q
— Caleb Califano WPBF (@CalebCalifanoTV) December 20, 2022
RIGHT NOW: Officers from @WestPalmPD and @BBPD are escorting a medical examiner van after a crash that occurred around 4am this morning. @WPTV pic.twitter.com/b2gqkQGpKu
— Derek Lowe (@DerekLoweNews) December 10, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Boynton Beach Police Department Sergeant Dennis Castro, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
