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
- 235 in 2021 including 19 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement on record. 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 North Carolina, Deputy Dennis Dixon died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Washington, Officer Darryl Goodrich Jr. Died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Tennessee, Deputy Roger Mitchell died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and child. In Georgia, Police Chief Kenneth Kirkland died of a heart attack suffered on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Tennessee, Deputy Lakiesha Tucker died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. She’s survived by her daughter. In Texas, Officer Randolph Boyd Jr. died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Alabama, Officer Brandon Ard died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Navy veteran, he’s survived by two daughters. In California, Officer Harminder Grewal died when his car was struck head on while on patrol. Florida Correctional Officer Whitney Cloud (pictured) died due to an accidental discharge of her firearm while in a training exercise. In Texas, Sergeant Steve Urias died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Texas, Sergeant Christopher Wilson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by four children. In Texas, Officer James Henry died of COVID-19 contracted on duty, he’s survived by his wife and daughter.
- The average age of the fallen, 47. 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 235law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 114 widows and 296 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 3% 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.