Protecting the Palm Beaches – a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice
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
- 113 officers have fallen in 2018
- 9 of the officers we've lost served in Florida
Another week and another four officers who sacrificed their lives. In Texas, Deputy Mark A. Cox died during a training exercise. He’d previously served in the Navy. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Mississippi Patrolman James White was one of two officers murdered when responding to an active shooting, he served in the Army National Guard and is survived by a fiancée and two children. Corporal Zach Moak was the second officer murdered in the attack in Mississippi. In South Carolina, officer Terrence Carraway was murdered while issuing a search warrant. Here’s a message from Terrence’s police chief: Officer Terrence Carraway is a hero. He spent the majority of his life being a protector of the people. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Condolences to your family, friends and fellow officers. Rest in Peace brother.
In 2018 we’ve had over 70 widows and a hundred children who’ve lost a parent. These are often the untold stories of the people who've sacrificed their lives in service of their communities. This is our small part to attempt to recognize those who've sacrificed the most for our safety. 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 12 years 6 months.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families, know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.