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
- 47 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Four in Florida
- One fallen officer this week
Right here in Palm Beach County Seminole Police Department Lieutenant Joseph Johnson died in an auto accident while on patrol, transferring between reservations. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children.
In addition to losing 47 officers this year, there are 30 widows and 57 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen, 43. The average tour of duty, 14 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.