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
- 117 have fallen while serving in 2019
- Seven in Florida
It’s been one of the deadliest weeks of the year for law enforcement. We’ve lost six in service this week. In Colorado, Sergeant Joshua Voth was killed at a corrections facility when a boiler exploded while he was nearby. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Alabama, Agent Billy Clardy was murdered while carrying out a narcotics bust. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and five children. In Arkansas, Officer Stephen Carr was murdered while he sat in his patrol car. In Texas, Sergeant Christopher Brewster was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He’s survived by a wife. In New Jersey, Detective Joseph Seals was murdered while investigating two suspects who turned out to be part of an anti-Semitic group. He’s survived by a wife and five children. In Texas, Sergeant Kaila Sullivan was murdered when she was intentionally struck by a vehicle while attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 117 law enforcement officials this year, there are 65 widows and 159 children who’ve lost a parent.
- 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.