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
- 152 LOD’s in 2020, including 7 in Florida
It’s as sad as it is instructive that we’ve already lost more law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, than in total, last year. 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. Most of our police do heroic things daily which go unnoticed. Their sacrifice is rarely covered by news media, but the risk is real day in and day out. Perhaps more so now than ever before.
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update. In Texas, Border Patrol Agent Agustin Aguilar died after contracting COVID-19 on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. Also in Texas, Investigator Mark Brown died after contracting COVID-19 on duty at protests. He’s survived by his wife and four children. In Lauderhill, Sergeant Corey Pendergrass (pictured) died after contracting COVID-19 on duty. He’s survived by a wife and six children. In Texas, Officer Ruben Martinez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty, he’s survived by a wife and three children. Also in Texas, Officer Eric Johnson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In Hawaii, Special Agent John Bost died while disassembling a confiscated rifle. In Michigan, Trooper Caleb Starr died after being struck by a drunk driver while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and two children. Also in Michigan, Sergeant Steven Splan died of a heart attack while removing a fallen tree from a roadway. He’s survived by a wife and four children.
- The average age of the fallen, 46. The average tour of duty, 16 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 152 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 84 widows and 193 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are 62% higher year to date reflecting the increased risk to law enforcement in our society today. 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.