Protecting the Palm Beaches for February 23rd
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
21 officers have been lost in 2018
Another week and three additional officers that sacrificed their lives in public service, including the first officer we've lost in Florida this year. This week Brevard deputy Kevin James Stanton was killed when he was stuck an 18-wheeler on 95. In Alabama an officer was murdered while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect. He is survived by a wife and child. In Maryland an officer was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He left behind a wife and four children.
That's two additional widows and 5 children without a father this week
These are often untold stories of the people who've sacrificed their lives in service of their communities. The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 39. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their passing is 12 years and 2 months.
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.