Protecting The Palm Beaches, A Tribute to Those Who Serve and Sacrifice

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 91 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 California, Lieutenant Steve Taylor died of COVID-19 contracted on duty. He’s survived by his wife. 
• In Georgia, Investigator Donald Crooms was struck and killed by a vehicle while conducting an investigation. He’s survived by his wife.  
• In Ohio, Officer Dominic Francis was murdered while attempting to deploy stop strips to end a high-speed chase. The offender struck Dominic while he was deploying the strips. He’s survived by a wife and two children.  
• In Pennsylvania, Lieutenant William Lebo was murdered while responding to an active home invasion. 
• In Texas, Deputy Darren Almendarez was murdered while attempting to stop a robbery in process. He is survived by his wife. 
• In Virginia, Officer Trey Sutton was killed in an accident while transporting a prisoner.  
• In Texas, Deputy Jennifer Chavis (pictured) was struck and killed by a drunk driver while on patrol. An Army veteran, Jennifer is survived by her husband and son.  

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 91 law enforcement professionals in the line of duty this year, there are 53 widows and 154 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 more than ever, just as we need them more than ever.