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
- 255 in 2021 including 25 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement on record. 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 Arkansas, Deputy James Morgan died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three daughters. In Georgia, Captain Ramsey Mannon died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Air Force veteran, Ramsey is survived by a wife and two children. In Missouri, Officer Dennis Bennett died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine veteran, Dennis is survived by his wife and five children. In Georgia, Detective Rodney Davis Sr. died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by six children. In Alabama, Deputy Harry Hutchinson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Air Force veteran, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In Texas, Patrolman Matthew Jimenez died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Georgia, Captain Joseph Manning died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Oklahoma, Sergeant John Trout Sr., died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and four children. In Georgia, Sergeant Clay Garrison died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Texas, Sergeant Christopher Wilson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by four children. In St. Petersburg, Officer Michael Weiskopf (pictured) died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife. In Texas, Officer James Henry died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and daughter. In Ocala, Trooper Sean Hryc died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Arkansas, Patrolman Shane Green died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. Border Patrol Agent Chad McBroom died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Clay County, Deputy Clint Seagle died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Navy veteran, Clint’s survived by a wife and two children. In Oklahoma, Officer Edgar Pales, Jr. Died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his daughter. In Lee County, Deputy William Diaz died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He's survived by a wife and child. In Louisiana, Officer Trey Copeland died from injuries sustained during a police chase. A Navy veteran, Trey’s survived by a wife and two children. In Jacksonville Beach, Sergeant Daniel Watts died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by two children. In Connecticut, Sergeant Brian Mohl died while on patrol due to the impact of the Ida’s remnants. He’s survived by a wife and three children. In Alabama, Investigator Richard Humphrey died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by two children. In Texas, Marshal Michael Keathley died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Navy veteran, Michael’s survived by his wife and three daughters. In Hernando County, Detective Tom Breedlove died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and seven children.
- 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 255 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 132 widows and 358 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 2% higher than last year’s historically high levels and 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.