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
- 30 police officers have now died while serving in 2019
- We’ve lost another four heroes over the past two weeks
In Texas officer Peter Herrera was murdered when he pulled over a vehicle with expired registration. He’s survived by his wife. In Illinois Trooper Brooke-Jones Story was inspecting a tractor-trailer she’d pulled over when she was struck and killed by another motorist. She’s survived by her husband. Also, in Illinois Trooper Gerald Ellis was killed in an accident when he was struck by a wrong way driver. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Maine Detective Ben Campbell was assisting a distressed motorist when he was struck and killed by another vehicle. He’s survived by a wife and infant.
Please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to already losing 30 officers this year, there are 18 widows and 31 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of our fallen officers, 40. The average tour of duty, 11 years and one month.
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.