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
- 108 LOD’s in 2020, including 5 in Florida
We created this series several years ago 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 defund police movement advanced by political opportunists. Opportunists who also are working to undermine confidence in law enforcement and strip them of the resources and protections needed to keep us 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 New Mexico, Border Patrol Agent John Mordan died of exposure while on foot patrol in pursuit of suspects on the border. In Texas, Officer Thomas Ogungbire died of COVID-19 he contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Mississippi, Deputy James Blair was murdered while transporting a suspect. He’s survived by his wife.In Pennsylvania, Officer Dale Provins died in an accident while on patrol as he was hit in a head on collision. A Marine & National Guard Veteran, he’s survived by a fiancée and daughter. In Labelle, Officer Julian Keen, Jr. was murdered when he attempted to detain a suspect.
- 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 108 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 57 widows and 128 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are 48% higher year to date reflecting the increased risk to law enforcement in our society today. 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.