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
- 97 in 2021 including 10 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history which has been exacerbated by Daunte Wright’s death at the hands of Kim Potter this week. There’s no excusing what Potter did, there’s also no excuse for wrongful death of law enforcement professionals, which is currently at a record high in American history – though you wouldn’t know it based on current reporting. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In North Carolina, Officer Brent Hall died in an auto accident while on patrol. In Iowa, Sergeant James Smith was murdered while attempting to arrest a suspect following a traffic stop. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Mississippi, Deputy Thomas Barnes was killed in an auto accident while responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by a wife and two 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 97 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 50 widows and 117 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 35% 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: Getty Images