Protecting the Palm Beaches for September 29th:
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
97 police officers have died in the line of duty in 2017
11 officers have fallen in September thus far
This week we lost two officers in Puerto Rico engaged in Maria emergency response. Both officers drowned when they were trapped in flood waters after having assisted others.
The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 42. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their passing is 13 years and 11 months. Nine 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.