Incident
Deputy Sheriff Paul Rein was shot and killed by a prisoner he was transporting in a medical van to the Broward County Courthouse.
The prisoner was already serving a life sentence from a previous conviction and was en route for trial on robbery charges. The suspect was riding in a medical transport van because he claimed to be having back pain. During the transport, the suspect was able to overpower Deputy Rein and take control of his service weapon. The suspect then shot the deputy twice and left him in a parking lot at the intersection of Powerline Road and Hammondville Road. Several citizens called 911, and deputies responded to find Deputy Rein wounded. He was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds.
The escapee was captured after a citizen saw him at a pawn shop and alerted police. He was in possession of Deputy Rein's service weapon when he was arrested. He was charged with first-degree murder and escape. On February 28th, 2011, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received another life sentence.
Deputy Rein, a U.S. Army veteran, had served with the Broward County Sheriff's Office for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons. The Broward County Detention Center on Blount Road displays Deputy Paul Rein's name in honor of his service.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-ADC59C60- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Paul. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Deputy Sheriff Rein gave the Broward County Sheriff's Office 20 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fort Lauderdale community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Paul Rein served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff Paul Rein is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen.
At Broward County Sheriff's Office, 13 of 24 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 54.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Paul Rein's cause is highlighted.
How Paul Rein Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Paul Rein is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Paul Rein was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Military Service
Paul Rein served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Paul Rein’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
23 officers from Broward County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.















