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 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 60 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Five in Florida
It’s been another unfortunate week as we’ve lost four more members of law enforcement in the line of duty. In Nebraska, Trooper Jerry Smith was struck and killed while on patrol. An Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient he’s survived by a wife and two children. In Texas, Corporal Jose Espericueta was murdered as he responded to a domestic disturbance call. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri, Officer Michael Langsdorf was murdered while responding to a check fraud situation at a convenience store. He’s survived by two children. In Illinois, Deputy Troy Chisum was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He’s survived by his wife.
In addition to losing 60 officers this year, there are 35 widows and 73 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.