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 95 heroes in the line-of-duty this year including 3 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 New Mexico, Patrolman James Sides died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained in pursuit of a trespassing suspect. While in pursuit of the suspect James and two other officers were fired upon. James was struck in the head, though he managed to survive the attack at the time he’s since succumbed the injuries. The suspect was killed with return fire. He’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In California, Officer Chad Swanson was struck and killed on his motorcycle resulting from a vehicle making an unsafe lane change. Chad was recognized as a hero during mass murder of at the Route 91 Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas in 2017. He repeatedly ran into harm's way to rescue victims in the attack. He’s survived by his wife and three children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 41, the average tour-of-duty – 13 years. In addition to losing 95 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 48 widows and 120 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.