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.
- 132 line of duty deaths in 2019
- Murder was the top cause of death for the second consecutive year
- 21 LOD’s in 2020, including 2 in Florida
Over the past week we lost a hero in South Carolina. Corporal Andrew Gillette was murdered while executing an arrest warrant. An Air Force veteran he’s survived by a wife and child.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 21 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are nine widows and 23 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 40. The average tour of duty, 9 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.