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
- 268 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
It’s as sad as it is instructive that we’ve already lost more than twice as many law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, than in total, last year. We created this series several years ago to create awareness about the risk and regular sacrifices made by law enforcement. I felt this was necessary because anti-police rhetoric and activism which led to an increase in violence against law enforcement. That’s culminated with murder having become the most common form of death and biggest risk our police face day in and day out. We’re in an especially dangerous moment due to the defund police movement advanced by political opportunists. Opportunists who also are working to undermine confidence in law enforcement and strip them of the resources and protections needed to keep us safe. Most of our police do heroic things daily which go unnoticed. Their sacrifice is rarely covered by news media, but the risk is real day in and day out. Perhaps more now than ever. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Puerto Rico, Agent Juan Ramirez-Padilla died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by three children. In Mississippi, Lieutenant Jerome Brooks died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Texas DHS Agent Christopher Carney died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran and Fly Cross recipient, he’s survived by a daughter. In Washington, Officer Charlie Cortez drowned while successfully rescuing a distressed boater. In Missouri Officer Richard Wright died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri, Officer Dwight Willis died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife. In Guam, Officer Glenn Martinez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Texas, Officer Ernest Leal Jr. Died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In North Carolina, Deputy Jared Allison died when he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to detain a motorcyclist. An Army veteran he’s survived by a wife and son. In Texas, Deputy Wayne Rhodes died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and six children. In West Virginia, Patrolman Cassie Johnson was murdered as she was ambushed when responding to a parking complaint. In California, Officer Andy Ornelas (pictured) died when he was struck by a vehicle while on patrol. He’s survived by his wife.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. The average tour of duty, 17 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 268 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 141 widows and 352 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are 102% higher year to date reflecting the increased risk to law enforcement in our society today. 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.
Photo Credit: Officer Down Memorial