Protecting the Palm Beaches for April 27th
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. We highlight a remarkable effort by local law enforcement each week. Joel Malkin brings you the perspective in local news from leaders in local law enforcement.
I bring you the unfortunate news you need to know:
128 police officers died in the line of duty in 2017
46 officers have been lost in 2018
3 of the officers we've lost served in Florida
The last week has been especially tragic and deadly for those who wear the badge. In Pennsylvania a detective died of a heart attack during a training exercise. He left behind a wife and two sons. In Missouri an officer did in a crash while responding to an emergency call. He's survived by his fiancée and two children. In New Jersey an officer died on patrol when he was in an accident with another vehicle. He left behind a son. In Maine an officer was murdered by a suspect who was out on bond from prior charges, he's survived by his son. In Texas an officer was murdered when he attempted to detain a suspect at a Home Depot.
Too often there are untold stories of the people who've sacrificed their lives in service of their communities. The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 37. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their passing is 10 years and 9 months.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. The media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.