Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Fallen Police Officers
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
- 115in 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 North Carolina, Deputy Joseph Gore died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Minnesota, Deputy Mark Anderson died of a heart attack while attempting to restrain an inmate. He’s survived by a daughter. In Texas, Officer Jimmy Garcia died from COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by a wife and daughter. In New York, Officer Anastasio Tsakos was struck by an intoxicated driver. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In North Carolina, Sergeant Chris Ward and Deputy Logan Fox (pictured) were murdered while conducting a welfare check. Sergeant Ward is survived by a wife and two children.
- The average age of the fallen, 50. The average tour of duty, 18years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 115 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 56 widows and 125 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 21% 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: Watauga County Sheriff's Office