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
- 6 LOD’s in 2020, including 1 in Florida
Over the past week we suffered three line of duty deaths. In Texas, Officer Nicholas Reyna was killed when he was struck by a vehicle while responding to an accident. In California, Detective Amber Leist was killed while rescuing an elderly woman who fell while crossing a busy road. Seeing the woman fall, Amber raced to rescue her, successfully doing so prior to being stuck and killed herself. She’s survived by two children. In Oklahoma, Deputy Jarid Taylor was killed in a crash while responding to an emergency call. He's survived by two children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing six law enforcement officials in the line of duty already this year, there’s a widow and five children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 36. The average tour of duty, 11 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.