Protecting South Florida – 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 officers died in the line of duty in 2018 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 85 officers have died while serving in 2019
- Six in Florida
I’m pleased to report that there were no line of duty deaths this week. This is only the second update this year where that’s been the case. This week as we remember 9/11, in honor of those in law enforcement who were first responders on 9/11, who later succumbed to injuries and illnesses suffered that day, I wanted to pay homage to the 248 members of law enforcement we’ve lost over the past 18 years due to their heroism that day. That includes six who’ve passed on due to illnesses this year. It’s a reminder that it’s not just the emotional burden many survivors carry with them but often physical ailments as well.
In addition to losing 85 officers this year, there are 48 widows and 103 children who’ve lost a parent. Please remember the families.
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.