Protecting South Florida – 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
- 95 LOD’s in 2020, including 4 in Florida
We created this series several years ago in an effort to create awareness about the risk and regular sacrifices made by law enforcement. I felt this was necessary because anti-police rhetoric and activism led to an increase in violence against law enforcement. That’s culminated with murder having become the most common form of death and biggest risk our police face day in and day out. We’re in an especially dangerous moment due to the wrongful death of George Floyd due to the actions of four officers. Everyday hundreds of thousands of good cops go to work to keep us and our businesses safe. The violent actors within protests have shown what our society would be like without them. Most of our police do heroic things daily which go unnoticed and dozens have been murdered already this year. Their sacrifice is rarely covered by news media and there certainly aren’t protests and movements created to advocate for their safety but the risk is real day in and day out. Perhaps more so now than ever before.
This week was marred by numerous officers being targeted by violent protesters, fortunately most will recover from their injuries. Unfortunately, not all will or did. In Connecticut, Trooper Eugene Baron Jr died of cancer attributed to his work as a first responder at ground zero on 9/11. He’s survived by three children. In North Dakota, Officer Cody Holte (pictured) was murdered while serving an eviction notice. A National Guard veteran, he’s survived by a wife and infant. In Utah, Officer Nathan Lyday was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance. He’s survived by his wife. In Texas, Deputy Caleb Rule was killed in cross fire while pursuing a suspect on the run. He’s survived by a wife and five children. In Michigan, Officer Jay Johnson was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance emergency. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Alabama, Sergeant Stephen Williams was murdered while responding to what turned out to be an ambush. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Missouri, Sheriff Andy Clark was killed in an accident while responding to an emergency call.
- The average age of the fallen, 45. The average tour of duty, 15 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 95 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 48 widows and 113 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are now 51% higher than a year ago at this time. It’s important that the heroism and sacrifice of hundreds of thousands isn’t lost in the actions of a few. 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.