Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice – November 15th, 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 8% lower than a year ago.
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in Florida
- We’ve lost 118 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 Colorado, Officer Evan Dunn (pictured) was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting with an accident scene. Evan and another officer were processing an accident when a drunk driver struck both officers immediately killing Evan and leaving the other officer in critical condition. The driver was arrested by responding officers. An Army and Army National Guard veteran, Evan 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 – 11 years. In addition to losing 118 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 66 widows and 145 children who’ve lost a parent.