Protecting The Palm Beaches – July 10th, 2026 – Brought to You By Good Greek Moving And Storage
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 53 heroes in the line of duty in 2026 including 2 in Florida
We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update:
- In Pennsylvania, Trooper Michael Pahira, Jr. was struck and killed by the driver of a commercial vehicle while conducting a vehicle safety inspection. It was determined that the driver of the 18-wheeler responsible for the crash and death of Michael was in the country illegally. He’s been charged with homicide, manslaughter, and reckless driving.
- In Ohio, Sergeant Scott Ries (pictured) was murdered while responding to an emergency shots fired call. Upon arriving on the scene, which included two murdered victims, law enforcement was fired upon striking five deputies and officers fatally striking Scott. The suspect was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He’s survived by his wife and two daughters.
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 9 years. In addition to losing 53 law enforcement professionals in the line-of-duty this year, there are 32 widows and 54 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.