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 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 67 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Five in Florida
This week we lost Sergeant Michael Stephen in the line of duty in Arkansas. He was murdered as he responded to a domestic disturbance call. An Army veteran as well, Michael spent his entire career in public service.
In addition to losing 67 officers this year, there are 40 widows and 83 children who’ve lost a parent. Please remember the families of the fallen as well.
The average age of the fallen, 43. The average tour of duty, 13 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.