Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – October 25th, 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 4% lower than a year ago.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 116 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 3 in Florida
- Through September 283 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In New York, Detective Clarence Word III died of cancer resulting from his work as a first responder at Ground Zero on 9/11. He’s survived by his wife and two children.
- In Virginia, Detective Maurice Joseph died of cancer attributed to his work as a first responder at Ground Zero on 9/11. He’s survived by his wife and four children.
- In Illinois, Tropper Corey Thompsen (pictured) was killed in a crash while on patrol. The driver responsible for the crash didn’t have a valid driver’s license. Corey is 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 39, the average tour-of-duty – 10 years. In addition to losing 116 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 65 widows and 145 children who’ve lost a parent.