Protecting the Palm Beaches for August 25th:
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. We highlight a remarkable effort by local law enforcement each week. Joel Malkin brings you the perspective in local news from leaders in local law enforcement.
I bring you the unfortunate news you need to know:
140 police officers died in the line of duty in 2016
84 police officers have died in the line of duty in 2017
12 officers have fallen in August
Unfortunately, August has been the deadliest month for law enforcement since January already. Over the past week we've lost five officers in the line of duty including an officer who was in fatal accident during a high speed chase in Arkansas, an officer who suffered cardiac arrest after combating a suspect resisting arrest in California, an officer who died during training in Puerto Rico, and the two Kissimmee officers murdered last weekend responding to a call.
The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 41. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their passing is 13 years and 4 months. Five of the officers that have died this year were serving in Florida.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. The media often aren't there for our law enforcement but we can be. Let our police know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.