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
- 32 police officers have now died while serving in 2019
- We’ve lost another two heroes over the past week
In Georgia, Deputy Spencer Allen Englett died during a training exercise. He’s survived by a wife. In California, Sergeant Seven Licon was killed while conducting a traffic stop when he was struck by a vehicle. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
Please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to already losing 32 officers this year, there are 20 widows and 33 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of our fallen officers, 40. The average tour of duty, 12 years and three 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.