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.
This is the unfortunate news you need to know:
- 148 police officers died in the line of duty in 2018 – 16% higher year over year & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 43 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Two have fallen over the past week
It's National Police Week, hopefully it will bring additional attention to the sacrifices made by so many who leave their families to protect us daily – including the two fallen heroes this week. In Mississippi, Constable Willie Houston West died when he struck a tree while on patrol. He’s survived by three children. In Savannah, Sergeant Kelvin Ansari was murdered while in pursuit of a robbery suspect. An Army Veteran as well, he’s survived by a wife and four children.
In addition to losing 43 officers this year, there are 27 widows and 49 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen 42. The average tour of duty, 12 years.
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.