Protecting the Palm Beaches for September 1st:
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 (which will return when Joel returns from vacation).
I bring you the unfortunate news you need to know:
- 140 police officers died in the line of duty in 2016
- 86 police officers have died in the line of duty in 2017
- 14 officers have fell in August
Unfortunately, August tied January as the deadliest month for law enforcement. Over the past week we lost two officers in the line of duty. This included an officer who was murdered while attempting to serve a warrant for arrest in California and an officer who drowned in Houston during Harvey relief efforts.
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 8 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.