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
- 23 police officers have now died while serving in 2019
- We’ve lost another two heroes this week
In Texas Officer Nathan Heidelberg was murdered while responding to a burglary alarm at a home. In Illinois, Deputy Jacob Keltner was murdered as he attempted to serve and arrest warrant.
Please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to already losing 23 officers this year, there are 12 widows and 23 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of our fallen officers, 40. The average tour of duty, eleven years and seven 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.