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
- 103 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 we lost these heroes. In Massachusetts Detective John Songy died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and child. In California, Officer Efren Coronel died after contracting COVID-19 on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri Sheriff Andy Clack was killed in an accident while responding to an emergency. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In California, Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller (pictured) was murdered as he investigated a suspicious vehicle suspected of containing bomb making materials. He’s survived by a pregnant wife and child.
- 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 103 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 54 widows and 125 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are 47% higher year to date. 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.