Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice ā May 24th, 2024Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
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. After years of increases in LODs, including multiple record years, thankfully 2023 produced the fewest line-of-duty deaths in the 2000ās. Unfortunately, that progress hasnāt been sustained this year. LODs are 7% higher year-to-date.Ā Ā Ā
- We lost 123 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2023 including 3 in FloridaĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
- Weāve lost 59 heroes in the line-of-duty in 2024 including 1 in FloridaĀ Ā Ā Ā
- Through April 136 law enforcement officers had been shot in the line of duty, an increase of 1% over a year ago.Ā Ā Ā Ā
Weāve lost this hero since the previous update.Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā
- In New Jersey Trooper Marcellus Bethea (pictured) died of injuries sustained during a SWAT training exercise. Heās survived by his wife and daughter.Ā Ā
As we reflect on those weāve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age is 39, the average tour-of-duty ā 11 years. In addition to losing 59 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 34 widows and 71 children whoāve lost a parent.Ā