Photo: Imperial County Sheriff's Office
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 in service 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
- 159 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 Oklahoma, Officer Lewis Cantey died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Arkansas, Officer Kevin Apple was murdered when a suspect intentionally struck him with his vehicle. In California, Deputy Anthony Redondo (pictured) died in an accident while responding to an emergency call.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. The average tour of duty, 18 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 159 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 75 widows and 177 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 1% lower than last year’s historically high levels. According to the National Fraternal Order of Police, ambush attacks on Police Officers have risen 91% this year. According to official records,150 ambush attacks against police officers have occurred this year.
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.