Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – November 8th, 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 6% lower than a year ago.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 117 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 3 in Florida
- Through October 301 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update.
- In Illinois, Officer Enrique Martinez (pictured) was murdered when approaching a suspicious vehicle. Upon arriving at the vehicle, Enrique and another reporting officer were met with gunfire resulting in both officers being shot, with Enrique succumbing to his wounds. The suspects fled but were met by other officers shortly thereafter. A shootout ensured with one of the suspects being killed with return fire. Two other suspects were arrested and charged with murder.
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 117 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 65 widows and 145 children who’ve lost a parent.