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 members of law enforcement died in the line of duty in 2018 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 111 have fallen while serving in 2019
- Seven in Florida
Since our previous update we’ve lost three additional law enforcement officers. In Michigan, Officer Rasheen McClain was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Alabama, Sheriff John Williams, was murdered while responding to an emergency call at a convenience store. A Marine veteran he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Virginia, Master-at-Arms Oscar Temores was murdered when he was intentionally stuck by a vehicle. He’s survived by a wife and child.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 111 law enforcement officials this year, there are 62 widows and 146 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 44. 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.