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
- 35 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- No officers were lost for just the 2nd week of 2019
I’m excited to report that there’s nothing new to report this week. While any and every loss is tragic – I am pleased to use the week without tragedy to provide an overall positive update. We’ve made progress in reducing loss of life in law enforcement in 2019.
Year-to-date overall line-of-duty deaths are down 39% and police murders are down 40%. Let’s pray this is a trend that continues and improves. While you’re reflecting on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service, please remember the families of our fallen heroes as well. In addition to losing 35 officers this year, there are 23 widows and 38 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen 40. The average tour of duty, 12 years.
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.