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 99 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. This week marks just the second of the year where there’s good news. We’ve not suffered any LOD’s since the previous update.
Here’s a look at the progress that’s been made throughout this year.
- LOD’s via gunfire are 29% lower year-over-year
- LOD’s via auto accidents are 36% lower year-over-year
- Total LOD’s are 56% lower year-over-year
Let’s pray for the positive trend to continue and for another week without suffering the loss of any law enforcement professionals. As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 42, the average tour-of-duty – 13 years. In addition to losing 99 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 50 widows and 125 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.