Honoring Our Fallen Heroes – April 4th, 2025
Bottom Line: This weekly tribute is dedicated to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face every day to keep us safe.
In 2023, we saw progress in reducing line-of-duty deaths, but sadly, that trend did not hold. In 2024, line-of-duty deaths rose by 17% nationwide, with Florida alone mourning five additional losses. Across the country, 342 officers were shot in the line of duty, resulting in 50 deaths—an 8% increase from the previous year.
A Heavy Toll in 2024
Last year, we lost 144 heroes nationwide, including 8 in Florida, who gave their lives to protect us.
The Cost This Year
So far in 2025, 19 officers have fallen in the line of duty, including 1 in Florida each leaving behind a legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Our Most Recent Losses
Since our last update, we grieve the loss of Officer Osmar Rodarte in California. While serving a search warrant on a suspected transnational drug trafficker with ties to a Mexican cartel, Officer Rodarte was fatally shot as his SWAT team entered the property. The suspect was killed in return fire. An Army veteran, Officer Rodarte leaves behind a wife, a child, and a community forever grateful for his service.
In Walton County, Deputy William May (pictured) was murdered while responding to a disturbance at a retail store. While escorting a man out of the store, the man pulled out a gun and shot William multiple times. The suspect was killed with return fire. William is survived by a wife and two children.
Remembering the Families Left Behind
As we honor those we’ve lost; we must also hold close the families they leave behind. The average fallen officer is just 39 years old, with 10 years of service. This year alone, 11 widows and 24 children are grieving the loss of a parent. Their sacrifice is profound.
A Call to Support
Let us stand united in support of our law enforcement officers. Back the badge, share their stories, and show them they are not alone. They need our gratitude and encouragement just as much as we need their protection. Together, we can honor the fallen by ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.