Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – May 24th, 2024
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. After years of increases in LODs, including multiple record years, thankfully 2023 produced the fewest line-of-duty deaths in the 2000’s. Unfortunately, that progress hasn’t been sustained this year. LODs are 7% higher year-to-date.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 59 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 1 in Florida
- Through April 136 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty, an increase of 1% over a year ago.
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update.
- In New Jersey Trooper Marcellus Bethea (pictured) died of injuries sustained during a SWAT training exercise. He’s survived by his wife and daughter.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 39, the average tour-of-duty – 11 years. In addition to losing 59 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 34 widows and 71 children who’ve lost a parent.