Paul Rein, a 76-year-old white male, was a dedicated Broward County Sheriff's Deputy who tragically lost his life on November 7, 2007, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Deputy Rein was shot and killed while conducting a prisoner transport. During his 20-year career with the Broward Sheriff's Office, he was well-respected and known for his commitment to his duties. On the morning of his death, Deputy Rein was transporting an inmate, Michael Mazza, from a jail facility in Pompano Beach to court.
During the transport, Mazza, who was wheelchair-bound, managed to overpower Deputy Rein, seize his firearm, and fatally shoot him in the head. Mazza then dumped Deputy Rein's body on the side of the road and attempted to escape in the transport van.
Following the murder, Michael Mazza was apprehended after a brief period of evasion. He was later charged with multiple offenses, including murder, robbery, carjacking, and escape from a law enforcement officer. In February 2011, Mazza pled guilty to these charges and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. This sentence was to be served consecutively with a 30-year sentence for a separate robbery charge.
The case had significant repercussions within the Broward Sheriff's Office, leading to changes in procedures for transporting prisoners and an increase in the number of deputies assigned to transport duties. Additionally, the Pompano Beach jail facility was named in honor of Deputy Paul Rein to commemorate his service and sacrifice.
