Photo: Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Washington
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
- There are 76 line of duty deaths thus far in 2022 including 1 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 Texas, Officer Kay Zeger, Jr. Died of COVID-19 contracted on duty.
- In Texas, Officer Lonnie Johnson died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his daughter.
- In Michigan, Officer Freddie Wilson died of a heart attack after breaking up a fight.
- In Missouri, Officer Jake Reed was murdered while responding to a disturbance call. He’s survived by his wife.
- In Virginia, Officer Caleb Ogilvie was murdered while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A Marine veteran, he’s survived by a wife and four children.
- In Washington, Deputy Dominique Calata (pictured) was murdered while attempting to serve an arrest warrant. An Army and National Guard veteran, he’s survived by a wife and child.
As we reflect on those we’ve lost, please remember the families of our fallen as well. The average age of the fallen is 47, the average tour of duty – 15 years. In addition to losing 76 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 43 widows and 138 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.