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
- 85 LOD’s in 2020, including 4 in Florida
It was the deadliest week of the year,for the third consecutive week,as the impact of COVID-19 continues to takes its toll. At Port Everglades, DHS officer Richard McCoy died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Navy veteran he’s survived by a wife and daughter. In New York, DHS Officer Omar Palmer died of COVID-19 he contracted on duty. In Texas, Officer Jesse Wayne Bolton died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and daughter. In Texas, Officer Maria Mendez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. She’s survived by four children. In Kansas, Supervisor Bernie Robare died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and daughter. In Kansas, Supervisor Fella Adebiyi died of COVID-19 contracted on duty.In New York, Officer CK Yan died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In Washington, Officer Berisford Morse died of COVID-19 he contracted on duty. In Idaho, Deputy Wyatt Maser was struck and killed by a vehicle while assisting a distressed motorist. Wyatt was an Air Force Veteran.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 85 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 41 widows and 97 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 45. The average tour of duty, 15 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.