Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Fallen Police Officers
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price in service 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
- 162 in 2021 including 11 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the effort of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. Officer involved shooting deaths are 35% below average, however line-of-duty deaths have reached record levels. The facts simply don’t meet the anti-police narrative. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Louisiana, Officer William Collins Jr. was murdered in an ambush attack when responding to a domestic disturbance call. In Texas, Sergeant and SWAT Commander Josh Bartlett (pictured) was murdered when responding to an emergency call of an armed suspect. Four members of Bartlett’s SWAT team were ambushed with the injures proving fatal for Josh.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. The average tour of duty, 18 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 162 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 75 widows and 177 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 9% lower than last year’s historically high levels, however according to the National Fraternal Order of Police, ambush attacks on Police Officers have risen 91% this year. According to official records, 153 ambush attacks against police officers have occurred this year.
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.