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
- 26 LOD’s in 2020, including 2 in Florida
We lost four heroes this week. In Pennsylvania, Corporal James O’Connor was murdered during a SWAT operation seeking to detain a murder suspect. He is survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri, Officer Christopher Walsh was murdered as he responded to an active shooter at a convenience store. An Army veteran, he’s survived by a wife and a daughter. In Georgia, Deputy Kenterrous Taylor was killed in an accident while responding to an emergency call. In Texas, Deputy Christopher Korzilius died in an accident while on patrol.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 26 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 12 widows and 28 children who’ve lost a parent.
- The average age of the fallen, 39. 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.