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
- 204 in 2021 including 14 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 Mississippi, Sheriff Lee Vance died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by five children. In Fort Lauderdale, Officer Jennifer Sepot (pictured) died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. She’s survived by a husband and daughter. In Miami, Trooper Lazaro Febles died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Michigan, Deputy Ryan Proxmire was murdered while in pursuit of a suspect. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In North Carolina, Officer Robert Cloninger died from exposure while responding to a house fire. His effort was credited as being “lifesaving” by local authorities. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Daytona, Officer Jason Raynor was murdered as he succumbed to injuries sustained in an ambush attack while approaching a suspicious vehicle.
- The average age of the fallen, 47. The average tour of duty, 17 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 204 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 96 widows and 249 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 11% lower than last year’s historically high levels, however according to the National Fraternal Order of Police, ambush attacks on police officers have risen by greater than 90% 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.