Protecting The Palm Beaches – April 10th, 2026
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.
Following a 17% rise in Line-of-duty-deaths nationally in 2024, significant progress was made in 2025 as LODs declined by 46% year-over-year to the lowest level this century. Otherwise, it was a mixed bag. A total of 347 officers were shot in the line of duty – a 2% increase year over year.
- We lost 90 heroes in the line of duty in 2025 including 8 in Florida
- We’ve lost 26 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost this hero since the previous update:
- In Mississippi, Deputy Michael Jimerson (pictured) was murdered while responding to a disturbance call at an apartment complex. Upon arriving on the scene the suspect fled, firing on law enforcement while in pursuit of her striking and killing Michael. The suspect was killed with return fire. Michael is survived by his wife and two children.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 38; the average tour-of-duty is 8 years. In addition to losing 26 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 14 widows and 23 children who’ve lost a parent. Remember to back the badge and spread the word. They need us just as much as we need them.