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.
This is the unfortunate news you need to know:
- 148 police officers died in the line of duty in 2018 – 16% higher year over year & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 21 police officers have now died while serving in 2019
- We’ve lost another three heroes this week
In Oklahoma, Undersheriff Monty Johnson was killed when he was struck head on by a wrong way driver. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Tennessee, Officer Nichola Galinger was struck and killed while securing a flooding manhole. He’s survived by two children. Also in Tennessee, Sergeant Steve Hinkle was murdered while responding to a welfare check call.
Please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to already losing 21 officers this year, there are 12 widows and 23 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of our fallen officers, 41. The average tour of duty, eleven years and eleven 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.