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
- 15 LOD’s in 2020, including 2 in Florida
Over the past week we suffered four line of duty deaths including one close to home. In Texas, Officer Alan McCollum was killed by a drunk driver while responding to a call. An Army Veteran and Bronze star recipient, he’s survived by a wife and three children. Also, in Texas, Deputy Richard Whitten was murdered while in pursuit of a suspect. In Alabama, Officer Nick O’Rear was murdered while in pursuit of a suspect. He is survived by a pregnant wife and two children. In Martin County, Trooper Joseph Bullock was murdered while responding to a disabled vehicle. He was an Air Force Veteran.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 15 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are five widows and eighteen 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.