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
- 28 LOD’s in 2020, including 2 in Florida
We lost two heroes this week.In Ohio, Officer Kaia Grant was murdered when she was intentionally struck while trying to detain an armed suspect. In Washington,Trooper Justin Schaffer was likewise intentionally struck by a vehicle while attempting to deploy stop sticks on the road to detain a suspect on the run. He’s survived by his wife.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 28 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 13 widows and 28 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 38. 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.