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
- 11 LOD’s in 2020, including 1 in Florida
Over the past week we suffered two line of duty deaths. In Virginia, Officer Katie Thyne was murdered when she was dragged by a car driven by a suspect she was investigating. A Navy Veteran, she’s survived by a daughter. Also, in Virginia, Major Anelanette Moore died of a heart attack during a shakedown at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in which she helped restore order to the facility.She was engaged with inmates at the time of her death. She’s survived by a husband and son.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 11 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are three widows and twelve children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 36. The average tour of duty, 9 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.