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
- 188 LOD’s in 2020, including 11 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 which 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 now than ever. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Michigan, Corporal Bryant Searcy was murdered by an inmate who attacked him while being transported at a corrections facility. He’s survived by a wife and daughter. In Georgia, Captain Stanley Elrod was struck and killed by a drunk driver. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Massachusetts, Trooper Thomas Devlin was killed by a driver who struck him while conducting a traffic stop. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In Ohio, Detective James Skernivitz was murdered while working undercover as part of the federal Operation Legend task force. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In New Jersey, Officer Sean Peek died after injuries sustained in the pursuit of a suspect who was successfully detained. In Nebraska, Investigator Luis Herrera was murdered while serving an arrest warrant for a homicide suspect. He’s survived by a wife and four children.
- The average age of the fallen, 47. 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 188 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 107 widows and 258 children who’ve lost a parent.
Line of duty deaths are 81% 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.