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.
- There were 229 line-of-duty deaths in 2022 including 10 in Florida
- We’ve lost 20 heroes in the line-of-duty this year including 1 in Florida
While LODs thankfully dropped from 2021’s record levels last year, that was mostly due to few COVID-related deaths. Sadly, LODs were 40% higher than 2019 – the most recent pre-COVID year – illustrating the continued risk for law enforcement amid a rise in violence against law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
- In Washington, Officer Jay Miller died of COVID-19 contracted on duty at a detention facility. An Armyy veteran, Jay is survived by three children.
- In Oklahoma, Deputy Jeremy McCain died from injuries sustained in an auto accident while on duty at a school zone. He’s survived by his son.
- In Oklahoma, Patrolman Joseph Barlow (pictured) died of injuries he sustained while being struck while escorting a funeral procession. Joseph was an Army veteran.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 40, the average tour-of-duty – 12 years. In addition to losing 20 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are nine widows and 29 children who’ve lost a parent.
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 more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.