Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – May 31st, 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 5% 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.
I’m pleased to report that we’ve not lost any law enforcement professionals in the line of duty over the past week. Let’s pray that it becomes a trend. 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.