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. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- 132 line of duty deaths in 2019
- 307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. 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 over the past week:
In South Carolina, Sergeant Gordon Best (pictured) was killed in an auto accident when he was responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Georgia, Sergeant Daniel Mobley was stuck by a vehicle as he was assisting in the clearing of an auto accident. In Texas, Sergeant Bruce Watson was killed in a motorcycle crash as he was concluding a funeral escort. An Army Veteran, he’s survived by a wife and three children.
- The average age of the fallen, 42. 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 three law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are two widows and five children who’ve lost a parent.
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.
Photo Credit: Fund The First