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
- 85 in 2021 including 9 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 Georgia, Sergeant Barry Henderson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife and three children. In Illinois, Master Trooper Todd Hanneken was killed in a crash while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Oklahoma, Corporal Kyle Davis while murdered by prisoner he was in the process of booking. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In New York, Trooper Joseph Gallagher died in a crash while on patrol – the driver who hit him was texting while driving. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Indiana, Deputy James Driver was struck and killed while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Texas, Trooper Chad Walker (pictured) was murdered in an ambush while responding to what appeared to be a disabled vehicle. He’s survived by a wife and four children.
- The average age of the fallen, 50. The average tour of duty, 19 years.
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 46 widows and 106 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 102% 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: Texas Highway Patrol