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 30 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 Minnesota, Deputy Josh Owen (pictured) was murdered while attempting to detain a domestic abuse suspect. Upon arrival at the location of a reported domestic violence incident, the responding officers were fired upon with Josh having been struck. Officers returned fire killing the suspect. A National Guard veteran, he’s survived by a wife and son.
- In Oregon, Corporal Joseph Johnson was murdered while responding to a home invasion. Upon arrival at the property, Joseph was fired upon, dying of his injuries at the scene. The suspect was arrested two days later. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 39, the average tour-of-duty – 12 years. In addition to losing 30 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 16 widows and 39 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.