Photo: Memphis Police Department, Tennessee
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.
- 491 line-of-duty deaths in 2021 including 50 in Florida
2021 was the deadliest year for law enforcement in Florida’s history. The same was true across the country as the US set a record for LODs for the 2nd consecutive year. This included a staggering 60% increase in line-of-duty deaths. Given the remarkable rise in LODs in recent years, it’s as important to support law enforcement as it's ever been, as the job of protecting us is as dangerous as it’s ever been. We’ve lost these heroes over the past week.
- In Missouri, ICE Officer William Hayes died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by two children.
- In Arizona, Officer Jesus Lara died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by a wife and three children.
- In Alabama, Investigator Steven Finely died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, he’s survived by his wife.
- In Michigan, Corporal Ernest Robinson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by four children.
- In Missouri, Police Chief Don Riffe died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. An Army veteran, he’s survived by three children.
- In Tennessee, Officer Corille Jones (pictured) died in a crash while on patrol. He’s survived by two children.
- In California, Officer Tyler Lenehan was killed by a drunk driver while on patrol. An Air Force veteran, he’s survived by a wife and two children.
- In Mississippi, Officer Johnny Patterson was struck and killed while directing traffic in a school zone. He's survived by a wife and two children.
- In New York, Officer Jason Rivera was murdered in an ambush while responding to a domestic disturbance call. He’s survived by his wife. In the same ambush, Officer Wilbert Mora was murdered, dying from injuries sustained during the attack.
- In Texas, Special Agent Anthony Salas died from injuries sustained during a training exercise. Anthony was a Marine Corps veteran.
- In Texas, Corporal Charles Galloway was murdered while conducting a traffic stop. He’s survived by a daughter.
- In Texas, Sergeant Ramon Gutierrez was killed by a drunk driver while on patrol. He’s survived by a wife and three 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 45, the average tour of duty – 16 years. In addition to losing 25 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 13 widows and 54 children who’ve lost a parent.
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.