Protecting the Palm Beaches for January 5th:
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:
128 police officers died in the line of duty in 2017
1 officer has fallen in while serving so far 2018
2017 proved to be a year of improvement. That's the good news. 20 fewer officers died in the line of duty. The bad news, despite the fewest officer deaths in a year since 2013 - it was still one of the deadliest on record and with nine officers falling during service in Florida - we had the second highest number of officers falling while on duty nationally last year. 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 1 month.
The first officer to fall while serving this week was a 31-year veteran who was a first responder in New York City on 9-11. He died this week succumbing to symptoms obtained during his work that day.
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.