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 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
- 338 in 2021 including 30 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement on record, emphasis on was. Entering October, we’d already exceeded last year’s historically high line-of-duty death totals. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the pandemic and efforts of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Tennessee, Officer Jimmie Shindler died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Arizona, Border Patrol Agent Luis Dominguez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In West Palm Beach, Officer Anthony Testa died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, Anthony is survived by his wife and son. In California, Border Patrol Agent David Ramirez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife and three children. In Indiana, Corporal Robert Nicholson died of COVID-19contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Arizona, Border Patrol Agent Alfredo Ibarra died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Tennessee, Sergeant Joshua Stewart died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Green Cove Springs, Police Chief Derek Asdo died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two kids. In Georgia, Sergeant Michael Thomas died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Air Force veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri, Sergeant Logan Davis died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife and daughter. In North Carolina, Sergeant Donald Ramey died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by his wife and three children. In Tennessee, Deputy Teresa Fuller died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. She’s survived by a husband and child. In Mississippi, Inspector Jared Keyworth (pictured) died in a crash while involved in an investigation. Jared was an Army veteran who was selected to escort during President Ronald Reagan’s funeral. In Virginia, Captain James Sisk died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two daughters. In Alabama, Sergeant Nick Risner was murdered while attempting to detain an auto theft suspect. Nick was an Army Reserve veteran. In Tennessee, Officer Darrell Adams was struck and killed by a vehicle while on patrol. In Arizona, Supervisor Michael Garbo was murdered during an inspection at an Amtrak station.
- 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 338 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 179 widows and 471 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 22% 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.