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
- 411 in 2021 including 33 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 Texas, Investigator Tracy Dotson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Pennsylvania, Sergeant Richard Howe died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Pennsylvania, Trooper Dung Martinez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In New Jersey, Lieutenant David Formeza died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Texas, Patrolman Sherman Benys Jr. died of COVID-19 contracted on duty, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Georgia, Deputy Lena Marshall was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. In Georgia, Officer Paramhans Desai was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Arizona, Lieutenant Chad Brackman was struck and killed while directing traffic at an intersection. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- 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 411 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 210 widows and 571 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 34% 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.