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
- 273 in 2021including 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 Texas, Deputy Carlos Ortiz died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In California, Lieutenant Robert Travelstead (pictured) died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Navy veteran, Robert’s survived by two children. In Georgia, Sergeant William Yancey died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He's survived by a wife and four children. In Alabama, Investigator Richard Humphrey died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by two children. In Georgia, Deputy Jody Smith died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Tennessee, Detective Derek Sidwell died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Tennessee, Officer Edgar Morris died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Texas, Investigator Dusty Wainscott died of injuries sustained detaining suspects who fled during a traffic stop. He’s survived by his wife. In Texas, Special Agent Dustin Slovacek died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine Corps veteran, he’s survived by his daughter.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. 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 273 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 138 widows and 375 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 7% 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.