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
- 40 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Five officers were lost this week
It’s been a devastating week for law enforcement. A week ago, I highlighted that we’d had just our 2nd week of the year without the loss of someone in law enforcement and that we’d been making progress in reducing loss of life in 2019. This week was the deadliest of the year.
In New York, US Army Special Agent Leo Khan died during a fitness test. He’s survived by his wife. In North Carolina, Officer Jordan Sheldon was murdered while conducting a traffic stop. In Mississippi, Officer Robert McKeithen was ambushed and murdered in the police station’s parking lot. A U.S. Air Force Veteran, he’s survived by a wife and four children. In Sanibel, we lost our second officer in Florida of the year. Anthony Neridied during a training exercise. He’s survived by a wife. In Tennessee, Trooper Matthew Gatti died in a collusion with a semi while responding to a call.
In addition to losing 40 officers this year, there are 26 widows and 42 children who’ve lost a parent.
The average age of the fallen 41. The average tour of duty, 11 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.