Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Those Who Serve And Sacrifice
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
- 286 in 2021 including 26 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 Okaloosa County, Deputy Michael Neau died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and six children. In Virginia, Officer Bonnie Jones died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. In Ohio, Deputy Robert Mills died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In Arkansas, Lieutenant James Guynes died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and child. In Texas, Officer Noah LeBlanc died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by two children. In Missouri, Officer Blaize Madrid-Evans died while he was in pursuit of a suspect. In Texas, Officer Michelle Gattey (pictured) died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. Michelle was an Air Force veteran. In Texas, Lieutenant Earnest Oldham died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and two children. In North Carolina, Captain David MacAlpine died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by a wife and three children. In South Carolina, Lieutenant John Stewart died due to injuries sustained during a crash while in pursuit of a suspect on the run. In Texas, Sergeant Richard Frankie died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. Also in Texas, Officer William Jeffrey was murdered while serving an arrest warrant. He’s survived by a wife and child.
- 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 144 widows and 392 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 10% 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.