Protecting South Florida – a tribute to those who serve and sacrifice
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.
This is the unfortunate news you need to know:
- 148 police officers died in the line of duty in 2018 & the top cause of death was murder for the first time on record
- 73 police officers have died while serving in 2019
- Six in Florida
We’ve lost four officers since my previous update. In Puerto Rico, Corrections Officer Pedro Mateo was murdered while conducting a search of an inmate who’d inappropriately received an item from a visitor. He’s survived by a wife and child. In Tennessee, Corrections Administrator Debra Johnson was murdered by an inmate who’d escaped the facility. In California, Officer Andre Moye was murdered during a traffic stop. He’s survived by a wife. In Iowa, Deputy Stephanie Schreurs died in an auto accident while on patrol. She’s survived by four children.
In addition to losing 73 officers this year, there are 43 widows and 89 children who’ve lost a parent. Please remember the families.
The average age of the fallen, 43. The average tour of duty, 13 years.
Remember to back the badge and spread the word. Media often aren't there for our law enforcement, but we can be. Let our police, and their families, know we support them every chance you get. They need it, now more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.