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
- 66 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Five in Florida
It’s been another unfortunate couple of weeks as we’ve lost six more members of law enforcement in the line of duty. In New York, Detective Luis Alvarez died of cancer attributed to his work as a first responder at ground zero on 9/11. He’s survived by his wife and three children. In Texas, Deputy Carlos Ramiez was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children. In Tennessee, Officer John Anderson was killed in an accident when he was struck by a vehicle on the run from law enforcement. In Texas, Deputy Omar Diaz died from injuries sustained while responding to a stabbing incident. He’s survived by his wife and daughter. In Georgia, Deputy Nicholas Dixon was murdered while pursuing a suspect who’d stolen a vehicle. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Minnesota, Officer Shannon Barron died of a heart attack while responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
In addition to losing 66 officers this year, there are 40 widows and 83 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen, 42. The average tour of duty, 13 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.