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. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- 307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
- 41 in 2021 including 5 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment due to the defund police movement advanced by political opportunists against the backdrop of a pandemic which has been the leading cause of death for law enforcement most recently. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In South Carolina, Sergeant Edward Marcurella Jr., died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and seven children. In Tennessee, Officer Toby Keiser died of COVID-19 contracted on duty, a veteran of the Navy and Army National Guard, he’s survived by a wife and four children. In Palm Beach County, Deputy Jacinto Navarro Jr. Died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A 38-year veteran of PBSO, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Puerto Rico, Lieutenant Juan Rivera-Padua died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Jacksonville, Sergeant Louis Livatino died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and son. In Georgia, Sergeant Jeffery Smith died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children. In Puerto Rico, Agent Juan Rosado-Lopez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In New Mexico, Patrolman Darian Jarrott (pictured) was murdered while conducting a traffic stop of a suspect as part of a DHS investigation. He’s survived by his pregnant wife and three children.
- The average age of the fallen, 50. The average tour of duty, 22 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 41 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 16 widows and 38 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 128% higher than last year’s historically high levels.
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: New Mexico State Police