Protecting South Florida for October 20th:
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
106 police officers have died in the line of duty in 2017
7 officers have fallen in October
4 officers died within the last week
This week included the killing of two officers in North Carolina during an attempted escape by prisoners. An officer was murdered in Louisiana investigating a suspicious situation. An officer drowned in New York during a training exercise.
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 5 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.