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.
- 132 Line of Duty deaths in 2019
- Murder was the top cause of death for the second consecutive year
- 3 LOD’s in 2020, including 1 in Florida
Over the past week we’ve lost three law enforcement officials. In New York, Investigator Ryan Fortini died due to cancer attributed to his work as a first responder at ground zero on 9/11. Ryan was an Army Veteran as well. In South Carolina, Officer Jackson Winkeler was murdered while conducting a traffic stop. Jackson was also a volunteer firefighter. In Lakeland, Officer Paul Dunn was killed in a motorcycle accident while on patrol. Paul was a Marine veteran and is survived by a wife and three children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well.
- The average age of the fallen, 39. The average tour of duty, 17 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.