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 officers died in the line of duty in 2018 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 102 officers have died while serving in 2019
- Seven in Florida
This week, in Arizona, we lost Detention Officer Gene Lee. Lee was attacked by an inmate and died from injuries sustained during the assault. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
As we wrapped up October, I took note of the 102 law enforcement officials we’ve lost this year. The more positive news is that LOD’s are pacing lower over the same time last year. The less encouraging news is that murder remains the most common cause of LOD’s. Please remember the families of our fallen as well.
In addition to losing 102 law enforcement officials this year, there are 56 widows and 128 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen, 44. 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.