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.
- 307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
- 103 in 2021 including 11 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement since 1932. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the effort of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. Officer involved shooting deaths are 35% below average, however line-of-duty deaths have reached record levels. The facts simply don’t meet the anti-police narrative. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Palm Beach County Deputy Carlos Antonio Hernandez (pictured) died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He served with PBSO for 15 years and served on the Royal Palm Beach Police Department for four years prior to joining the sheriff’s office. He’s survived by his wife. In Louisiana, Border Patrol Agent Christopher Simpkins died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A National Guard veteran, he’s survived by a wife and daughter. In North Carolina, Officer David Parde died of gunshot wounds sustained while in pursuit of suspects falsely claiming they were pizza delivery drivers with the intent to break into homes. He’s survived by a wife and son.
- The average age of the fallen, 50. The average tour of duty, 19 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 53 widows and 119 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 20% higher than last year’s historically high levels.
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: Palm Beach County's Sheriff Office