Protecting the Palm Beaches - Recognizing those who've paid the ultimate price to protect their communities 3-17-17:
Bottom Line: This weekly feature is designed to recognize those who've paid the ultimate price to serve their communities and to serve as a reminder of what our police risk to keep us safe. We highlight a remarkable effort by local law enforcement each week. Joel Malkin brings you the perspective in local news from leaders in local law enforcement.
I bring you the unfortunate news you need to know:
140 police officers died in the line of duty in 2016
23 police officers have died in the line of duty thus far in 2017
4 have died in March thus far
After a good week to report on in last Friday's update - with no fallen officers - the news wasn't positive this week. We lost four officers in the line of duty this week. One in New Mexico, two in New York and one in Virginia.
The average age of the officers at the time of their death was 43. The average length of time they'd served at the time of their death is 16 years and 6 months. Two of the officers that have died this year were serving in Florida.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. The media often isn't there for our law enforcement but we can be. Let our police know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.