Protecting The Palm Beaches – March 7th, 2025
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. Unfortunately, after progress was made in reducing line of duty deaths in 2023 – we weren’t able to sustain that progress last year. LODs rose by 17% nationally in 2024, with five additional LODs within the state of Florida. A total of 342 officers were shot in the line of duty resulting in 50 deaths – an 8% increase year over year.
- We lost 144 heroes in the line of duty in 2024 including 8 in Florida
- We’ve lost 13 heroes in the line of duty thus far this year.
I’m pleased to report that we’ve not lost any law enforcement professionals in the line of duty over the past week, for the second time thus far this year. Additionally, we’re seeing encouraging trends in the early going in 2025.
Year-to-date LODs:
- Total LOD’s: 54% lower
- Murders: Even with a year ago
- LODs via automobile crashes: 55% lower
- LODs by all other causes: 100% lower
Let’s pray that these positive trends continue to improve throughout the year. As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 39, the average tour-of-duty is 11 years. In addition to losing 13 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 6 widows and 12 children who lost a parent. Remember to back the badge and spread the word. They need us just as much as we need them.