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
- 186 in 2021 including 11 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932.We’rein 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 Texas, Officer Ricky Roberts died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and daughter. In Oregon, Deputy Courtney Couch drowned while attempting to rescue a drowning child. An Army veteran, she’s survived by her husband and son. The child was successfully rescued. In Nevada, Trooper Micah May was murdered as he was attempting to stop the driver of a vehicle involved in a chase. He’s survived by his wife. In Washington D.C., Officer Johnathan Gumm died of a heart attack while moving barricades. An Army veteran, he’s survived by his wife and ten children. In Arizona, Border Patrol Agent Daniel Cox (pictured) was killed in a crash while on patrol. Daniel was an Army veteran. In Texas, Officer Andy Traylor died when his was struck and killed while responding to an emergency call. A Navy veteran, he’s survived by a wife and five children. In Ohio, Officer Scott Dawley was killed in a crash while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and four children. At the Pentagon, Officer George Gonzalez was murdered while on foot patrol. George was an Army veteran. In Illinois, Officer Brian Pierce Jr. was murdered while attempting to stop a vehicle fleeing the scene of a crime.
- 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 186 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 87 widows and 220 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 12% lower than last year’s historically high levels, however according to the National Fraternal Order of Police, ambush attacks on police officers have risen by greater than 90% 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.