Protecting the Palm Beaches – a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice
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
- 101 officers have fallen in 2018
- 9 of the officers we've lost served in Florida (most of any state in the country)
Unfortunately, after the first two week stretch this year without an officer falling, there were three officers who died in service this week. In Louisiana, officer Kirt Ricks, died in in a head-on collision with another vehicle while on patrol. In Missouri officer Aaron Roberts drowned in floodwaters while responding to an emergency. He’s survived by his wife and daughter. In Indiana, officer David Tinsley died of a heart attack while in pursuit of a suspect who’d stolen a car.
Too often there are untold stories of the people who've sacrificed their lives in service of their communities. This is our small part to attempt to recognize those who've sacrificed the most for our safety. The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 41. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their passing is 12 years and one month.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families, know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.