Photo: Blair County Prison, Pennsylvania
Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute To Those Who Serve And Sacrifice
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. Here are the harsh realities regarding the rise risk in society for law enforcement.
- 307 LOD’s in 2020, including 16 in Florida
- 439 in 2021 including 33 in Florida
Last year was the deadliest for law enforcement on record, emphasis on was. Entering October, we’d already exceeded last year’s historically high line-of-duty death totals. We’re in an especially dangerous moment in our country’s history due to the pandemic and efforts of political operatives to politicize law enforcement. We’ve lost these heroes since the previous update.
In Texas, Officer Kevin Dupree died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Airforce veteran, he’s survived by two children. In Pennsylvania, Officer Rhonda Russell (pictured) was murdered by an inmate who gained access to her service weapon, engaging in a shootout with guards while pushing Rhonda in the line of fire. She’s survived by three children. In Arkansas, Deputy Frank Ramirez, Jr. was killed in an accident was responding to an emergency call. He’s survived by his wife andtwochildren.In West Virginia, Officer Adam Arbogast died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his daughter.In Georgia, Officer Henry Laxson was murdered as he responded to a domestic disturbance call. He’s survived by his wife.In Missouri, Detective Antonio Valentine died in an accident while on patrol.
- The average age of the fallen, 48. The average tour of duty, 17 years.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. In addition to losing 439 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 214 widows and 589 children who’ve lost a parent. Line of duty deaths are 30% higher than last year’s historically high levels.
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.