Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – September 6th, 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 96 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 2 in Florida
- Through August 256 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In Illinois, Patrolman James Crowley died due to injuries sustained when he was struck by a drunk driver. The driver was charged with reckless homicide and DUI.
- In Georgia, Investigator Taylor Bristow (pictured) was murdered when serving an arrest warrant. The suspect allowed Investigator Bristow into his home and then fired on Taylor and himself. Taylor is survived by a wife and two children.
- In California, Officer Austin Machitar was killed in a crash while responding to a suspect fleeing law enforcement. The suspect stuck and killed Austin and died in the crash as well.
- In Washington, D.C. Investigator Wayne David was killed while retrieving a discarded firearm thrown into a storm drain. While attempting to retrieve the discarded firearm it discharged killing him. A military veteran, Wayne is survived by two children.
- In Texas, Officer Darron Burks was murdered during an ambush while responding to a distress call. The suspect opened fire on responding officers, fled the scene and was later killed during a subsequent confrontation with law enforcement.
- In Missouri, Officer Phylicia Carson was killed in a crash while assisting an officer in a vehicle pursuit. The driver was detained and charged with aggravated fleeing, resulting in death. Phylicia is survived by her husband and six 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 96 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 56 widows and 126 children who’ve lost a parent.