Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice 

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.                                                                                         

• There were 229 line-of-duty deaths in 2022 including 10 in Florida                      
• We’ve lost 28 heroes in the line-of-duty this year including 1 in Florida                                          

While LODs thankfully dropped from 2021’s record levels last year, that was mostly due to few COVID-related deaths. Sadly, LODs were 40% higher than 2019 – the most recent pre-COVID year – illustrating the continued risk for law enforcement amid a rise in violence against law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.          

• In Wisconsin, Officers Emily Breidenbach (pictured) and Hunter Scheel were murdered while attempting to detain a suspect who had an outstanding arrest warrant. When approaching the suspect, the officers were ambushed exchanging gunfire while succumbing to their wounds on the scene. The suspect also died of his wounds. Emily is survived by her fiancé and four children. Hunter was an Army National Guard veteran. 
• In Louisiana, Officer Trevor Abney was murdered when he was ambushed while stopped at a traffic light in his patrol car. A passenger in a passing car opened fire on Abney’s vehicle striking Trevor. He later died of his injuries. An Army veteran, he’s survived by his wife. 

As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 40, the average tour-of-duty – 12 years. In addition to losing 28 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 14 widows and 35 children who’ve lost a parent.          

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 more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.