Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – August 2nd, 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. LODs are currently pacing at the same rate as a year ago.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 88 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 2 in Florida
- Through July 223 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In Tennessee, Sheriff Roy Weatherford succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall while on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In Mississippi, Patrolman Troy Floyd was murdered while conducting a checkpoint. While conducting a vehicle check, a passenger in the car opened fire killing Troy. Responding officers engaged in a shootout with the suspect a short time later. Two officers were wounded in the shootout and the suspect was killed. Troy is survived by his wife and three children.
- In Virginia, Deputy Hunter Reedy (pictured) was murdered while conducting a traffic stop. After serving the suspect with a moving violation, the suspect opened fire on Hunter and his partner. Both were shot with Hunter succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was detained and charged with murder. Hunter is survived by his wife and three children.
- In Texas, Sergeant Billy Randolph was struck and killed by a vehicle while processing an accident scene. An Air Force veteran, he’s survived by his wife and two children.
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 88 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 54 widows and 114 children who’ve lost a parent.